Kannada book stokes controversy over Basavanna

The 12th century social reformer Basavanna was a Dalit, and not a Brahmin, alleges a controversial book in Kannada titled Anudeva Horaganavanu by B Jayaprakash.

The book’s sensational findings has invited the wrath of Veerashaivas in the city. However, the author maintains that his new research on the revered saint should actually make them proud because he showed that it was possible for even a dalit to such a prominence. In fact, the author goes to on to argue that the entire Veerashaiva movement was an uprising of artisan communities against Brahmin dominance.

The book bases its startling finding on the Vachanas and Sharana literature that the author says, hinted that Basavanna was a Dalit and not a Brahmin. But was he not referred to as ‘Vipra’, an appellation believed to be used while addressing the Brahmin community? True, but even other communities like Dalit artisans were also addressed as ‘Vipra’ and they also wore the sacred thread.

The author argues that Basavanna was a dalit as no eight-year-old can run away from home along with his sister renouncing Brahminism during the sacred thread ceremony.

The controversy is not likely to die soon, but wittingly or otherwise, the author has earned his fifteen minutes of fame…