Basaveshwara | Lingayats

The Prime Minister paid homage to Jagadguru Basaveshwara on the occasion of Basava Jayanti.

  • 12th Century Social Reformer
  • Lived during the reign of the Kalachuri-dynasty king Bijjala I in Karnataka.
  • Regarded as the founder of the Lingayat sect and a pioneer of Veerashaivism.
  • Advocated for social equality, justice, and dignity of labor.
  • Rejected caste hierarchy, ritualistic priesthood, and temple worship.
  • Encouraged spiritual democracy through Anubhava Mantapa, a forum for open discussions on social and spiritual matters.
  • His teachings were compiled in Vachanas, which are simple yet profound poetic compositions.
  • Followers of the 12th-century social reformer-philosopher poet, Basaveshwara.
  • Basaveshwara – Prime minister during the reign of Kalachuri dynasty king Bijjala (I) in Karnataka.
  • Also known as – Veershaivism
  • Part of – Sharana movement
  • Was against the caste system and Vedic rituals.
  • Rejected gender-based discrimination
  • Monotheists
  • Enjoin the worship of only one God, namely, Linga (Shiva).

Source: PIB


Previous Year Question

Consider the following Bhakti Saints:
1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell, and Babur took over?

[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2013 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 2 only

Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Only option 1 and 3 are incorrect. 
Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over in 1526.
Guru Nanak (1469 – 1539)
Dadu Dayal (1544–1603)
Tyagaraja (1767 – 1847)


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