Social and Political Philosophy of Basaveshwara

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This book gives a clear interpretation of Basaveshwara's philosophy and addresses his thought provoking radical and remarkable work fostering social, gender equality. The philosophy is not only confined to the social realm but also political and economic realms, and gives a vivid sketch of a secular and egalitarian society with his alternate and rational ideals. This is a lucid portrayal of one of the rare pragmatic philosophies. This book covers concepts of basava and its relevance to contemporary Indian society.

Dr. Chitakoduru Bikshapathi was born in Jangaon district, Telangana state. He obtained MA in Political Science from Kakatiya University Warangal in 1993. He was awarded Ph.D. in 2022 by Osmania University. He attended several seminars. He was appointed as political science lecturer at Sardar Patel College, Secunderabad in 1998. Now present as associate professor in Political Science at Government Degree College Serilingampally Ranga Reddy district Hyderabad.

Basaveshwara, also known as Basava, was a 12th-century philosopher, statesman, and social reformer who lived in the Indian state of Karnataka. He is credited with founding the Lingayat religious movement, which emphasized social equality, rejection of caste hierarchy, and devotion to Lord Shiva.. Basaveshwara's social and political philosophy revolved around several key principles that are analysed in the book by the author. In the first chapter, the Basaveshwara advocated for the equality of all individuals, regardless of caste, gender, or social status. He vehemently opposed the caste system and discrimination based on birth. His teachings emphasized the idea of every individual having inherent dignity and worth, and he called for the abolition of discriminatory practices prevalent in society.

I would have never completed this research work without the immense support and encouragement of my supervisor Prof. P. Muthaiah (Retd), Department of Political Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad. He continuously guided and nurtured my work at every stage of my research. He is always student friendly, cooperative and motivated me in pursuing this thesis. I am grateful for his hospitality and kind treatment during the research period. My deep sense of gratitude will be ever there for him.

Basaveshwara was a radical social, economic and political philosopher. He is one of the greatest philosophers we have, he not only preached the philosophy but also practised it and proved the practicality of his philosophy. Though he was born in an orthodox hindu brahmin family, He went against the inhumane and undemocratic system of chaturvarna.

India's political philosophy I must be both constructive and critical. Political philosophy in India must be ruthless and Basava should join him in, exposed the hollowness of traditions that sanction injustice and inequality. Political Philosophy must play a significant role in stabilizing values and traditions. This will help to strengthen democracy for the benefit of all humanism. Voltaire, Karl Marx and Basava, along with other revolutionaries, had the courage to criticize the social evils of their day that were detrimental to democracy and socialism. They are still the beacons of today's hi-tech society, which confirms the relevancy of the words spoken nine hundred years ago by Basava.