Medieval Social Reformers

Who Founded the Virashaiva Movement? Basavanna Facts

Basavanna was the founder of the Virashaiva (Lingayat) movement in Karnataka. He led a social and religious revolution against caste hierarchy in the 12th century.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part II

Archived: 2022

Updated: 29 Dec 2025

Exam Year

2022

Evidence Source

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Who among the following was the founder of the Virashaiva Movement in Karnataka?

[CDS 2022 (I)]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The Virashaiva (Lingayat) movement was a radical social and spiritual uprising in 12th-century Karnataka that prioritized direct devotion over ritual hierarchy.

Authentic Source Evidence

Basavanna (a minister in the Kalachuri court) founded this movement. He championed the equality of all human beings, rejected the caste system, and composed 'Vachanas' (prose-poems) in Kannada.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option A is correct. Basavanna is the primary figure associated with the establishment of the Lingayat tradition.

Logic 2: Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar (B, C, D) were early Tamil Nayanar saints (6th-8th century) who were part of a different Shaivite wave in South India.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the 'Anubhava Mantapa'?"

The 'Hall of Experience' established by Basavanna, which served as one of the world's first parliaments for spiritual and social discussion.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Basavanna's genius was in linking manual labor (Kayaka) with spiritual liberation, making the daily life of a commoner as sacred as a priest's ritual."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Vachanas 3Anubhava Mantapa 2

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