Article Title: Basaveshwara
08-10-2022
History & Art and Culture Prelims Plus
Why is in news? Rahul Gandhi cites Basaveshwara’s teachings to target BJP in Karnataka
Basaveshwara (1134-1168) was an Indian philosopher, social reformer and statesman who attempted to create a casteless society and fought against caste and religious discrimination.
Basaveshwara was born in Bagevadi (of undivided Bijapur district in Karnataka) during 1131 AD.
He is the founding saint of the Lingayat sect.
His spiritual discipline was based on the principles of Arivu (true knowledge), Achara (right conduct), and Anubhava (divine experience) and it brought social, religious and economical revolution in the 12th century.
Basava's ideas are found in the Vedanta school, in a form more akin to Ramanuja, the 11th century Vishishtadvaita philosopher.
He was active during both Kalyani Chalukya/Kalachuri dynasties' reigns, although his influence peaked during King Bijjala II's reign in Karnataka, India.
Basaveshwara gave two more very important socio-economic principles. They are: Kayaka (Divine work), Dasoha (Equal distribution).
Basaveshwara revolted against all the social evils of the traditionalistic society and brought a drastic change in various facets.
His practical approach and act of establishment of ‘Kalyana Rajya’ (Welfare state) brought a new status and position for all the citizens of the society, irrespective of class, caste, creed and sex.
On 14th November 2015, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi inaugurated the statue of Basavanna along the bank of the river Thames at Lambeth in London.
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