The Vira-Saivas/ Lingayats of 12th Century Karnataka: Conflict, Transformation, and the Genesis of a New Creed

20 May 2022

The lecture will provide a brief introduction to the early history of the Lingayat/ Vira-Saiva movement, in twelfth-century Karnataka, including the life of the reputed founder and the doctrinal foundations of this new belief system, which represented a real innovation (both religious and social), with respect to the Hindu milieu.

The core of the presentation will analyse the socio-religious and political role of the Vira-Saivas in the Deccan and their importance as tradesmen. The focus will be on how the economic changes and the social progress (leading to measures of public-welfare) brought about by them has lasted till today.

The final section will explore the reasons for the tensions between the Vira-Saivas, the Hindus and the Jains.

View the video below.