Basavanna: Social Reformer

In the fascinating world of 12th-century southern India, Basavanna stood out as a remarkable figure—a philosopher, statesman, and poet who left an indelible mark on his era. Known as the visionary behind the Lingayat sect, he courageously challenged the age-old shackles of caste discrimination within Hindu society. Basavanna wasn’t just a thinker; he was a changemaker who transformed the landscape of irrigation, religion, education, and the arts during medieval times. His profound spiritual ideas and bold social reforms continue to resonate, painting a vivid picture of a man who humanized change and reshaped the very fabric of his society.

Background of Basavanna

Basavanna, born in 1131 CE to Madarasa and Madalambike in Bagewadi village, Bijapur district of northern Karnataka, had parents deeply rooted in Hinduism, belonging to the Brahmin caste. Despite his high-caste background, Basavanna began questioning the traditions and privileges of the upper castes early in life. He found fault in the ritualistic practices and unquestioning faith prevalent in popular Hinduism. These early experiences laid the foundation for his later progressive and spiritual philosophies.

Basavanna embarked on a transformative journey, exploring sacred sites and seeking wisdom from spiritual mentors. Engaging in thought-provoking debates on religion, society, and morality, he emerged with a profound socio-spiritual ideology. Critical of rigid social hierarchies, meaningless rituals, and discrimination based on caste, creed, or gender, Basavanna envisioned a more inclusive and compassionate society.
In 1160 CE, Basavanna assumed the role of chief minister in King Bijjala’s court in Kalyana (present-day Bidar district, Karnataka). In this influential position, he enacted progressive reforms that left a lasting impact. Recognizing the importance of water for agriculture, Basavanna initiated the construction of reservoirs, dams, and canals, significantly improving irrigation infrastructure. This strategic move elevated agricultural productivity and prosperity throughout the kingdom.
Basavanna’s commitment to social justice extended to agrarian reforms. He championed the cause of land ownership rights for cultivators, foreseeing the empowerment and well-being of those who toiled on the land. His forward-thinking policies in irrigation and agrarian practices were far ahead of their time, leaving an enduring legacy of progress and equity.

Lingayat Sect

The Lingayats are strict monotheists. They enjoin the worship of only one God, namely Linga (Shiva).

At the court of King Bijjala of the Kalachuri, Basavanna started his career as an accountant in Mangalaveda.
With his honesty, hard work, and visionary mission, Basava rose to the position of Prime Minister in the court of king Bijjala.
The Basava Purana by Palkuriki Somanatha, a sacred Telugu text from the 13th century, gives a comprehensive account of Basava’s life and ideals.

Basavanna, through his poetic expressions called Vachanaas, sought to awaken the collective awareness of society. His verses eloquently denounced gender and social discrimination, superstitions, and ritualistic practices. Basavanna courageously challenged these societal norms, advocating for a more inclusive and enlightened community.

Among his noteworthy contributions to the Lingayat tradition are significant Vachana works such as Shat-Sthala-Vachana, Kala-jnana-Vachana, Mantra-Gopya, Ghatna Chakra-Vachana, and Raja-yoga-Vachana. These compositions reflect his commitment to fostering a society that values equality, rejects discrimination, and embraces a deeper understanding of human spirituality.

Vachanas

The Sharanas crafted the vachanas as a tool to shape a fair and equal society. These poetic expressions were written in straightforward Kannada, specifically aiming to connect with everyday people. On May 3rd, 2022, Basava Jayanti marked the joyous celebration of the birthday of the esteemed philosopher Basaveshwara.

Contributions of Basavanna

Contributions of Basavanna consist of Socio-political, Literary, Spiritual, and philosophical contributions. Some of them are as follows.

Socio-Political Contributions

Equality Advocate: Basava strongly believed in the equality of all individuals, irrespective of caste. He actively fought against caste, class, and gender disparities, collaborating with like-minded followers.

Women’s Empowerment: Basava played a pivotal role in challenging societal norms regarding women. His emphasis on recognizing women’s rights and identities reflected his commitment to fostering a more progressive society.

Veerashaiva Movement Leader: Basava led the Veerashaiva movement, introducing significant social changes. This movement dismantled the traditional priestly class, propagated universal truths in vernacular languages, and provided women with a prominent role in social and religious spheres.

Anubhava Mantapa Founder: Establishing the Anubhava Mantapa, a Lingayata academy, Basava aimed to create a caste-free society. It acted as a platform for discussions on universal human values, earning recognition as “The First Religious Parliament of the World.”

Promotion of Inter-Caste Marriages: Basava’s social revolution included endorsing inter-caste marriages, symbolizing a break from rigid societal norms. Democracy Pioneer: Basava envisioned the establishment of a democratic social structure as his ultimate goal, promoting equal opportunities for all.

Local Language Promotion: Basava advocated for the use of local languages in both secular and spiritual education, emphasizing the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity.

Respect for Women: In his teachings, Basava guided his followers to view women with respect, discouraging any form of objectification or inappropriate desires.

Caste System Rejection: Basava vehemently opposed the caste system, striving to eliminate any sense of superiority or inferiority among his followers.

Dignity of Labor: Basava elevated the status of manual labor by proclaiming it as a form of worship, encouraging a positive outlook towards all forms of work.

Literary Contributions

Versatile Expression: Basava’s literary works covered a spectrum of human experiences, addressing social injustices and celebrating the divine bliss that life offers.

Sanskrit Literature Departure: Basava departed from the tradition of writing religious and ethical literature in Sanskrit, choosing instead to compose in the common language, Kannada.

Emotional Resonance: Basava’s writings resonated with readers emotionally, thanks to his vivid imagination and the relatable figures and scenarios drawn from his rich life experiences.

Vachanas as Social Awareness: Through his poetry, known as Vachanas, Basava promoted social awareness. Topics ranged from discourses on salvation to forecasts of the future, providing a diverse perspective on societal issues.

Spiritual And Philosophical Contributions

Champion of Humanism: Basava advocated for a humanistic approach to life, where distinctions based on caste, gender, and social status held no significance, and the divine experience took center stage.

Kayaka-Work Doctrine: Basava’s philosophy of Kayaka emphasized earning a living through labor dedicated to God, imparting a spiritual dimension to work.

Monotheistic Belief: Basava’s movement was grounded in a profound monotheistic belief, considering Lord Shiva as the absolute and highest Self.

Devotional Worship Advocate: Rejecting Brahmin-led temple practices, Basava promoted personalized, direct worship of Shiva through rituals, such as wearing symbols like little lingas.

Non-Conventional Funeral Practices: Lingayats, followers of Basava, did not adhere to traditional funeral practices, as they believed in an immediate union with the divine after death.

Moral Exemplar: People looked up to Basava as a moral guide, learning from his example on how to lead a pure life in society and attain salvation.

Compassion Over Faith: Basava emphasized that compassion should be rooted in reason and science, rather than blind faith.

Against Renunciation: Basava rejected the notion of renunciation and dwelling in the forest as escapism, advocating for active engagement with life.

Reason and Experience: Basava upheld reason and experience as the guiding lights for free thinking and spiritual progress.

Non-Violence Advocate: Strongly opposing human and animal sacrifices, Basava was a prominent advocate of ahimsa, or non-violence.

Basavanna and Sharana Movement

Basavanna, the leader of the Sharana movement, had a unique appeal that drew people from all walks of life, transcending caste barriers. Similar to other facets of the Bhakti movement, the movement led to the creation of a body of literature known as vachanas, providing insights into the spiritual world of the Veerashaiva saints. Basavanna’s vision of egalitarianism within the Sharana movement was revolutionary for its time.

He established the Anubhava Mandapa, a platform where Sharanas from diverse castes and communities came together for learning and discussions. The Sharanas, boldly challenging the entrenched caste system, even organized a wedding where the groom belonged to a lower caste, and the bride was a Brahmin. Basavanna’s movement was not just a spiritual revolution but a social one, breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity.

Conclusion

The incredible legacy of Basava and the Sharanas, regular folks who found self-realization through Basava’s divine guidance, continues to thrive even after nine centuries. This living tradition has the power to inspire communities to this day. What makes it so captivating in the modern world is the perfect blend of genuine spirituality and social consciousness that it offers.