“No religion or caste classification before Vedic period,” Bhavaikya Peetha Seer

Mysuru: “The term Varna or class division is a vedic concept that did not exist earlier. There was no religion or caste classification before the Vedic period,” said Sri Basavalinga Murthy Swamiji of Rammanahalli Basava Dhyana Mandira Bhavaikya Peetha.

He was delivering the keynote address at the Dalita Vachanakara Jayanti, jointly organised by the District Administration, Kannada and Culture Department and Dalita Vachanakara Jagriti Samiti at Maneyangala, in Kalamandira premises, here yesterday morning and said, “Before the vedic period there were no literates or illiterates. It is only later that the four divisions (Chaturvarna) came into prominence. Veda means knowledge but it did not become public. What gained prominence was class division which led to exploitation.”

The discrimination started during this period and that is why it gave birth to Jainism to fight this discrimination. The 12th Century Saint Basavanna who was from a high caste understood this well and fought against caste system and for social reforms, he said.

According to the Seer, 770 Vachanakaras came to light during Basavanna’s period. “I feel sad and uncomfortable to distinguish the Dalits from others and call them Dalit Vachanakaras,” regretted the Seer.

Earlier, Zilla Panchayat President Nayeema Sultana, inaugurating the Dalita Vachanakara Jayanti said, “The Vachanakaras’ life are an example to all of us. However, it is sad to see that though it is a government function, many people have not come.”

Mylac Chairman H.A. Venkatesh, who also spoke, said, “The purpose of holding such function is to introduce the society to the ideals and thoughts of the Vachanakaras like Basavanna who strove hard for social justice,” and added “their thoughts are still relevant in today’s society.”

Apart from Basavanna, in the 20th and 21st Century it was Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and people like D. Devaraj Urs who gave the confidence to the Dalits to hold their head high and hence such celebrations acquire a meaning and purpose, he said.

District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, who did not participate had however sent his greetings. The others present included Kannada and Culture Department  Assistant Director H. Channappa, litterateur Prof. K.S. Bhagavan, Jagjivan Ram Trust Chairman Puttasiddaiah, Assistant Commissioner Shivegowda, Jayantotsava Samiti member Somaiah Maleyur and Sarvajananga  Hitarakshana Vedike President Venugopal.