Consider the following statements regarding the social impact of the Bhakti and Sufi movements in medieval India:
1. They successfully eradicated the varna and caste systems, leading to a completely egalitarian society by the 17th century.
2. They challenged the spiritual monopoly of the Brahmanas and the Ulema by asserting that salvation was accessible to all, irrespective of birth.
3. Paradoxically, some egalitarian sects born out of these movements eventually crystallized into new, rigid castes themselves over time.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Statement 1 is incorrect. While the movements fiercely attacked caste rigidities, they failed to completely eradicate the deeply entrenched caste system from Indian society. Statements 2 and 3 are correct. They opened spiritual doors for lower castes, but ironically, followers of saints like Basavanna (Lingayats) and Kabir often evolved into endogamous caste-like groups themselves over centuries.

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