The Vachana Movement was a 12th-century socio-religious reform movement in the region of present-day Karnataka, India. It aimed to promote spiritual equality and social justice, challenging the rigid caste system and ritualistic practices of the time. The movement was characterized by the use of simple, direct language in its poetry, known as Vachanas, which conveyed profound philosophical ideas. Key figures in the Vachana Movement included the saint-poet Basava and other prominent Lingayat leaders. They emphasized personal experience of the divine over traditional religious practices, advocating for a direct relationship with God. The movement significantly influenced the cultural and spiritual landscape of South India.