Basaveshwsara's Contribution to Casteless Society

Abstract

India is the only country in the world which is based on caste system. This system prevailing in India has not only divided the people of the country but also promoted inequality in the society. From the ancient Indian society till date, on the caste based society, lakhs of the Dalits are being ignored, insulted, boycotted and brutally attacked. Though born in India they are living like second grade citizens in their own country. Social reformer Basaveshwara, born in a Brahmin caste, opposed the "Hindu social order i.e. varnashram dharma”. In those days he encouraged common dining and inter caste marriages to build the self respect of down trodden people and fought for the annihilation of the caste system. Being a Brahmin he worked for the downtrodden people which can be termed as an outstanding contribution for their upliftment of Dalits. To understand the content of his philosophical teachings, it is necessary to understand the Indian Society in the Historical Contest. Basaveswara was a progressive philosopher born in medieval India. Through his teachings and writings, he tried to awaken the Indian Society. In this paper I would like to express my views on the works undertaken by Basaveswara for the upliftment of Dalits.