On Thursday, the Cabinet in Karnataka made a historic decision to declare the 12th-century social reformer and founder of the Lingayat faith, Basavanna, as the cultural leader of the state. This marks the first such declaration in Karnataka, drawing parallels with Maharashtra’s recognition of Chhatrapati Shivaji as its cultural icon.

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• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the decision, noting that the demand to declare Basavanna as the state’s cultural leader had come from Lingayat pontiffs. Expressing satisfaction with the government’s response to this demand, he hoped for the blessings of all pontiffs on the decision. Siddaramaiah emphasized his personal connection with Basavanna, referring to him as his “ideological guru” and recalling that he took his oath as chief minister on Basava Jayanti in 2013 intentionally.
• Also other ministers stated that Basavanna advocated for a casteless society, and his principles were particularly relevant in the face of rising communalism.
• In addition to the declaration about Basavanna, the Cabinet also decided to rename Shivamogga’s Freedom Park after Vachana poet Allama Prabhu and rename Kittur taluk in Belagavi as Rani Chennamma Kittur. Another decision involved renaming the PH Nandihal village in Basavanabagewadi.

Basavanna:

Basavanna, also known as Basaveshwara, was a 12th-century saint-poet, social reformer, and philosopher, and the founder of the Lingayat sect.

Socio-Political Contributions:

• Advocated Equality: Basavanna believed in the equality of all people, irrespective of caste, class, and gender.
• Women’s Empowerment: Recognized and promoted women’s identity and rights in society.
• Veerashaiva Movement: Led a social change movement, eliminating the previous class of priests and promoting universal truths in the vernacular.
• Anubhava Mantapa: Founded this academy for mystics, saints, and philosophers, aiming for a caste-free society.
• Promoted Inter-Caste Marriages: Supported social integration through inter-caste marriages.
• Pioneer of Democracy: Aspired to establish a democratic social structure.
• Gender Equality: Emphasized equal rights for men and women, rejecting gender-based discrimination.
• Respect Towards Women: Guided followers on viewing women with respect and as equals.

Literary Contributions:

• Vachanas: Composed Vachanas in simple Kannada language to promote social awareness.
• Denied Superiority of Sanskrit: Wrote religious and ethical literature in Kannada, challenging the tradition of Sanskrit.

Spiritual and Philosophical Contributions:

• Humanism: Promoted a new way of living based on humanism, where caste and gender distinctions were irrelevant.
• Kayaka-Work Doctrine: Advocated earning a living through labor dedicated to God.
• Monotheism: Believed in the absolute and highest Self, Lord Shiva.
• Devotional Worship: Encouraged direct worship of Shiva, rejecting Brahmin-led temple practices.
• Moral Teacher: Set an example for moral conduct and righteous living.
• Compassion: Advocated compassion supported by reason and science.
• Against Renunciation: Opposed renunciation and promoted active engagement in life.
• Non-Violence: Strongly opposed human and animal sacrifices, emphasizing non-violence.

Sharana Movement:

• Attracted people from all castes.
• Established the Anubhava Mandapa for learning and discussions.
• Challenged caste hierarchy through unconventional weddings.

Legacy: The Sharana movement’s live tradition continues to inspire communities even nine centuries later, blending spirituality with social awareness.