CM unveils painting of Anubhava Mantapa; says Basavanna dreamt of inclusive society

NT Correspondent

Belagavi

Anubhava Mantapa, in many ways, resembles today's legislative assemblies and Parliament. It was inclusive, bringing together representatives of all castes and women, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday while unveiling a painting of Anubhava Mantapa in the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. He added that Allama Prabhu, a member of an oppressed community, served as the president of the Mantapa. "It is my privilege to unveil the painting of Anubhava Mantapa today. I consider it a great honour. Basavanna and his followers in the 12th century led a remarkable social revolution to eliminate inequality, caste discrimination, and exploitation. Their vision was to build a caste-free, equal society," said Siddaramaiah.

Anubhava Mantapa was established by Basavanna in the 12th century CE in what is now Bidar district. According to the CM, Basavanna taught that compassion as the essence of religion. "He explained this in a way that even the uneducated could grasp," Siddaramaiah added. "The caste system is like filth settled at the bottom of a well. When stirred, it moves aside briefly, but it resurfaces quickly. Basavanna's vision, even 850 years ago, was to build a society free of these barriers," he said.

Siddaramaiah said leaders like R Ashoka, Ashwath Narayan, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, G Parameshwara, H K Patil, K H Muniyappa, and himself are all "Shudras". "Historically, people like us have faced discrimination because of caste. Education was denied to Shudras and women, but Basavanna rejected this practice, ensuring inclusivity in their society," said Siddaramaiah.