2022-08-08 Mon

Basaveswara, also known as Basavana, was the 12th century was an Indian statesman, philosopher, poet, Lingayat saint in the Shiva-focused bhakti movement, and a Hindu Shaivite. He was a social reformer during the reign of the Kalyani Chalukyas and Kalachuri dynasties. He reached his highest peak during the reign of King Bijjala II in Karnataka.

Basaveswara was appointed as a Prime Minister in the court of King Bijjala. Basaveswara rejected social discrimination, superstitions and rituals, such as the wearing of the sacred thread. He is also the founder of the Lingayats. It won’t be wrong to call him the first Indian free thinker.

The Government of India issued his commemorative stamp in 1997 to commemorate him and his work.

Image Courtesy: colnect.com