Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: Leaders from various political parties paid tributes to Basaveshwara, the 12th-century social reformer and founder of the Lingayat tradition, on his birth anniversary
About Basavanna:
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| Basaveshwara (1134-1196), also known as Basavanna, was a 12th-century poet, philosopher, and social reformer from Bagevadi, Karnataka. He was appointed as Prime Minister by the Kalachurya king Bijjala
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| Founder of | Lingayatism |
| Spiritual Discipline | Based on the principles of Arivu (true knowledge), Achara (right conduct), and Anubhava (divine experience) |
| Path | Lingangayoga (union with the divine) |
| Social Reforms | Advocated for a society free of the caste system, with equal opportunity for all, and preached about manual hard work. Founded the Anubhava Mantapa.
Sharana movement: Preaching egalitarianism, the movement was presided over by Basavanna.
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| Principles | Introduced the concepts of Kayaka (Divine work) and Dasoha (Equal distribution) |
| Anubhava Mantapa | Established as a common forum for discussing social, economic, political, religious, and spiritual principles, and personal problems. Considered the first Parliament of India. |
| Literary Contribution | Wrote Vachanas, an innovative literary form written in simple Kannada language; Sharana constitution (social and democratic principles of Basavanna) |
| Legacy | Known for his practical approach and establishment of a “Kalyana Rajya” (Welfare state), which brought a new status and position for all citizens of society, irrespective of class, caste, creed, and sex. Celebrated and held in high regard, especially by the Lingayat community. |
| Lingayat | The term Lingayat denotes a person who wears a personal linga, an iconic form of the god Shiva, on the body which is received during the initiation ceremony. They are the dominant group in Karnataka, said to be about 17 per cent of the population in the state. |
| Developments | The Chief Minister of Karnataka laid the foundation stone for the “New Anubhava Mantapa” in Basavakalyan. Inauguration of a statue of Basaveshwara (in 2015) along the bank of the River Thames (London); Digitization of the holy Vachanas of Basavanna (2017) |
Prelims Links
With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements: ( UPSC 2016)
- Siddhas (Sittars) of the Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
- Lingayats of the Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: C
