Economics · A History of Economic Thought by V Lokanathan
Chapter 34 : SOCIO-RELIGIOUS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC REFORMERS OF INDIA
Table of contents29 sections
- 1.SOCIO-RELIGIOUS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC REFORMERS OF INDIA
- 2.BASAVESHWARA
- 3.Introduction
- 4.Life and Work
- 5.Basava Philosophy
- 6.Social Reformer
- 7.Ethical Foundations of Virasaivam
- 8.Contribution to Kannada Language
- 9.Kayaka
- 10.Conclusion
- 11.JYOTIRAO GOVINDARAO PHULE
- 12.Introduction: Early life
- 13.His Contribution
- 14.Social Activism
- 15.Satyashodhak Samaj
- 16.Occupation
- 17.Work of Satya Shodhak Samaj
- 18.Conclusion
- 19.RAJARSHI SHAHU MAHARAJ
- 20.Introduction
- 21.Accession
- 22.Social Reforms
- 23.Vedokta Controversy
- 24.Uplift of Women
- 25.Good Governance
- 26.Lover of Games and Sports
- 27.Sahu Maharaj and Sathyashodhak Movement
- 28.Conclusion
- 29.Quick-Recall Box
Chapter preview
BASAVESHWARA
Introduction
- Basaveswara was a 12th century Indian philosopher, social reformer, Kannada poet, and statesman.
- Alternative Names: Bhakthibanduri (the treasurer of devotion), Basavanna (elder brother Basava), and Basaveswara (Lord Basava).
| Author | Sacred Text | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harihara | Basavarajadevara ragale | c. 1180 | Earliest available account; author was a near contemporary. |
| Palkuraki Somanatha | Basava Purana | 13th century | Telugu text of the South Indian Hindu Lingayat community; gives a full account of his life/ideas. |
| Bhima Kavi | Basava Purana (Updated) | 1369 | Updated Kannada version of the text. |
Life and Work
- Early Life: Born into a Saivite Brahmin family in North Karnataka. Studied in a Hindu temple in the town of Kudalasangama.
- Family & Royal Connection: Married the daughter of the Prime Minister of Bijiala (the Kalachuri King). The King also married Basava's sister, Padmavati.
- Career Trajectory: Started as an accountant in the King's court → Invited to become Chief Minister after his maternal uncle (the Prime Minister) died.
- Reforms as Chief Minister:
- Initiated social reforms and a religious movement focused on Saivism.
- Recognized and empowered ascetics known as Jangamas.
- Spread social awareness through his literary works in the Kannada language, known as Vachanas.
- Rejected caste/gender discrimination, superstitions, and rituals (e.g., wearing the sacred thread).
- Introduced the ishtalinga (a necklace with an image of the Shiva Linga) to every person regardless of birth → served as a constant reminder of one's bhakti (devotion) to Shiva.
- Introduced the Anubhava Mantapa (The Hall of Spiritual Experience): An innovative public assembly welcoming men and women from all socioeconomic backgrounds to openly discuss spiritual, economic, and social issues.
- Founding of Lingayats (Debate):
- Traditional legends: Claim Basaveshwara was the absolute founder of the Lingayats.
- Modern scholars: Argue based on historical evidence that he was a poet-philosopher who revived and refined an already existing tradition.
- Key Maxim: Kayakave Kailasa (work is the path to Kailash (bliss or heaven or what we call work is worship).
- Important Works in Vachana Sahitya:
Basava Philosophy
- Virashaivam Movement: A new devotional movement developed and inspired by Basaveshwara.
- Rejected temple worship and Brahmin-led rituals.
- Advocated personalized, direct worship of Shiva through individually worn…
This is a 350-word maximum preview. The complete chapter remains available only with the Economics plan.
Locked chapter
This chapter is part of the Economics plan
Subscribe to read every chapter on any device. Free chapters remain readable for everyone.
View plans Chapter 35 : RECENT INDIAN ECONOMIC THOUGHT