Is Lingayat Lower Caste?

Is Lingayat Lower Caste? After being placed in the shudra category in the 1881 census, Lingayats demanded a higher caste status. Are lingayat Kshatriya? Lingayats condemn the performance of rituals and sacrifices which include animal sacrifices. Lingayats cannot be accepted as Hindus, they are neither Brahmins, Kshatriyas nor Vaishyas. Which category is lingayat? S.No State