2026 · Q60
The twelfth century witnessed the emergence of a new movement in Karnataka, led by Basavanna (1106-68 CE) who was a minister in the court of a Kalachuri ruler. His followers were known as :
General KnowledgeHistory of India
- AVirashaivas
- BPushtimargis
- CAvadhoots
- DNathpanthis
Explanation
Basavanna (1106-68 CE), minister at the Kalachuri court, led the 12th-century bhakti movement in Karnataka. His followers, who rejected caste and ritual orthodoxy and worshipped Shiva as a linga worn on the body, were known as Virashaivas (Lingayats). The Pushtimargis follow Vallabhacharya, while the Avadhoots and Nathpanthis belong to different traditions. Hence the followers were the Virashaivas.