Who among the following was the founder of the Virashaiva Movement in Karnataka?
Basavanna
Understanding the Virashaiva Movement Founder
The question asks about the key figure who founded the Virashaiva Movement, particularly associated with the region of Karnataka. This movement was significant in the history of South India, advocating for social reforms and a different approach to Shaivism.
Identifying the Founder
The Virashaiva movement, also known as Lingayatism, emerged strongly in the 12th century. This socio-religious reform movement challenged the prevailing caste system and rituals, emphasizing monotheism (worship of Shiva in the form of the Ishtalinga), equality, and work ethics.
Several prominent figures were associated with this movement, but one individual is widely recognized as its principal founder and philosopher. Let's look at the options provided:
- Basavanna: He was a 12th-century philosopher, statesman, and social reformer in Karnataka. He served as a minister in the court of King Bijjala I of the Kalachuri dynasty. Basavanna is credited with spearheading the Virashaiva movement, composing vachanas (poetic prose), and establishing the Anubhava Mantapa (hall of spiritual experience) where people from all backgrounds could discuss spiritual and social matters.
- Appar: Also known as Thirunavukkarasar, he was a Shaivite saint from Tamil Nadu who lived much earlier, around the 6th-7th century. He was one of the most prominent Nayanars (Shaivite saints of Tamil tradition) and composed devotional hymns called Tevaram. He is not associated with the Virashaiva movement in Karnataka.
- Sambandar: Thirugnana Sambandar was another prominent Nayanar saint from Tamil Nadu, contemporary to Appar (around 7th century). He also composed Tevaram hymns and played a significant role in the Bhakti movement in Tamil Nadu. Like Appar, he is not connected to the Virashaiva movement in Karnataka.
- Sundarar: Sundaramurthy Nayanar was the third of the most revered Nayanars (Thevaram trio) from Tamil Nadu, who lived around the 8th century. His devotional poetry is also part of the Tevaram collection. He is a key figure in Tamil Shaivism but not the founder of the Virashaiva movement in Karnataka.
Based on historical evidence and the core principles of the Virashaiva movement, Basavanna is recognized as its founder and primary driving force, especially in the context of Karnataka.
Comparison of Figures
| Figure | Associated Movement/Tradition | Region | Approximate Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basavanna | Virashaiva Movement (Lingayatism) | Karnataka | 12th Century |
| Appar (Thirunavukkarasar) | Tamil Shaivism (Nayanars) | Tamil Nadu | 6th-7th Century |
| Sambandar (Thirugnana Sambandar) | Tamil Shaivism (Nayanars) | Tamil Nadu | 7th Century |
| Sundarar (Sundaramurthy Nayanar) | Tamil Shaivism (Nayanars) | Tamil Nadu | 8th Century |
The table clearly shows that Basavanna is the only figure among the options who is associated with the Virashaiva Movement and Karnataka. The other figures are celebrated saints of Tamil Shaivism from different centuries.
Conclusion
The founder of the Virashaiva Movement in Karnataka was Basavanna. His teachings and social reforms had a profound impact on the culture and society of Karnataka.
Revision Table: Key Saints and Movements
| Name | Contribution/Movement | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Basavanna | Virashaiva Movement (Lingayatism) | Karnataka |
| Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar | Nayanars (Tamil Shaivite Bhakti) | Tamil Nadu |
| Alvars | Vaishnavite Bhakti | Tamil Nadu |
Additional Information on Virashaiva Movement
The Virashaiva movement, led by figures like Basavanna, challenged many orthodox Hindu practices. Key aspects included:
- Rejection of the caste system and untouchability.
- Emphasis on equality of all individuals, including women.
- Worship of the Ishtalinga (a small lingam worn around the neck) as a personal symbol of Shiva, making temples less central.
- Importance of Kayaka (work as worship) and Dasoha (distribution and community dining).
- Composition of Vachana literature, which expressed philosophical and social ideas in simple Kannada language, making complex thoughts accessible to common people.
The movement significantly influenced the social and religious landscape of Karnataka.
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