Basavakalyan

Basavakalyan
Basavakalyan Location of Basavakalyan in Karnataka and India
Country	India
State	Karnataka
District(s)	Bidar
Population	102,546 (2006[update])
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	• 621 m (2,037 ft)
Codes • Pincode • 585 327 • Telephone • +08481 • Vehicle • KA39

Basavakalyan is a town in Bidar District of the state of Karnataka, India, and was historically known as Kalyani.

History

Before India's independence, Basavakalyan was called Kalyan. After independence and division of states on linguistic basis in 1956, Kalyana was renamed as BasavaKalyana in memory of Vishwaguru Basavanna, a great revolutionary who established Anubhava Mantapa (spiritual democracy) in 12th Century in India.

Basavakalyana was ruled by Western Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Yadavas of Devagiri, Bijapur Sultanate, Bahamani Sultanate (Bidar, Gulbarga), Mughals, Hyderabad Nizams.

Western Chalukyas

It was the royal capital of the Western Chalukya (Kalyani Chalukyas) dynasty from 1050 to 1195. Somesvara I (1041-1068A.D.) made Kalyana as his capital, recognised as Kalyani Chalukyas to differentiate with Badami Chalukyas. Later ruled by Somesvara II, Vikramaditya VI, Somesvara III, jagadeka Malla III and Tailapa III. Before this Manyakheta was their capital. During 10th-12th centuries ruled nearly half of India^[1][2], most of the western Deccan, South India. King Vikramaditya VI had In his court scholars such as Someshwara, Bilhana (poet of Kashmir) and Vigyaneshwara (legal expert).

Kalyani Chalukya architecture

The earliest examples of the Kalyani Chalukya style are found at Kuknur. The Kalleshvara and Navalinga temples here bear resemblances to early Chalukya group of Aihole and Pattadkal. The Jaina temple at Lakkundi near Gadag forms the nest step in the improvement of this style introducing a greater ornamental effect in the treatment of the surface.

The Kalyani style of architecture reaches its maturity and culmination in the 12th century. Kasi Vishveshvara at Lakkundi, Mallikarjuna at Kuruvatti and Mahadeva Temple (Itagi) are the finest examples produced by the later Chalukya architects. The Saraswathi and Someshwara temples at Gadag are in a mutilated condition. There are nearly one hundred monuments of the period, scattered all over the Deccan, giving us information about the artistic excellence attained by the later Chalukyas of Kalyani.

Kalachuris

Kalachuris succeeded Kalyani Chalukyas continued Kalyani as there capital. During 12th century the Kalachuri King Bijjala (1156-1167) assumed the throne, and Basaveshwara appointed as his Prime Minister. Basaveshwara led a social movement to stop untouchability and gender discrimination, Shivasharana revolution took place. Basaveshwara motivated many with the Vachana sahitya, and more than 600 people became writers called as Vachanakaras.

Centre of social and religious movement

The centre of a great social and religious movement. In 12th century, because of Basaveshwara social reformer, it became a seat of learning. Basaveshwara, Akka Mahadevi, Channabasavanna, Siddarama many more Sharanas are associated with Basavakalyana. Basaveshwara, who fought against castism and orthodoxy in Hinduism^[3].

Tourism

Basavakalyan Fort

Basavakalyan Fort

At Jalasangvi, Narayanapura and Shivapura there are temples of the Chalukya period. Basaveshvara temple is at the centre of Basavakalyana. There are some Islamic monuments Moti Mahal, Hydari Mahal, Peeran Durga. And other religious places such as Gachchina Matha, Kambali Matha and Sadananda Matha.

• Basavakalyana fort

Basavakalyana fort constructed by Chalukyas it includes Jain Images on wall. There is museum in side fort, there are Jain idols of the 10-11 century AD^[4].

• Shiva Temple at Narayanpura

There is a Shiva Temple at Narayanpura which dating back to Chalukya times (11th century), 4 km from Basavakalyana.

Basavakalyan Temple

• Basaveshwara Temple and Anubhav mantap

There is a statue of Allamaprabhu, as the guru of the Basavanna and the related photos of Basavanna which he has worked for the people.

There is lake beside it and full of trees surrounding its Temple.

Geography

Basavakalyan is located at 17°52′N 76°57′E / 17.87°N 76.95°E / 17.87; 76.95.^[5] It has an average elevation of 2082 metres (7287 feet).

Demographics

As of 2006^[update] India census,^[6] Basavakalyan had a population of 1,02,546. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Basavakalyan has an average literacy rate of 62%, Higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 58% of the males and 42% of females literate. 17% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Muchalam had population of 8000. males 55% of the population and females 45%, muchalam has average literacy 75%.

References