Basava was a 12th-century philosopher and statesman in India, known for his role in the Lingayat movement. He emphasized the importance of personal experience in spirituality and advocated for social reform, challenging caste discrimination and promoting equality. As a poet and a leader, Basava composed many Vachanas, which are short, pithy poems expressing his thoughts on devotion and ethics. His teachings focused on the worship of Shiva and the idea of a direct relationship with the divine, without the need for intermediaries, influencing many followers in the region.