Transformation through literature: A study of vachana literature and its impact on society

Abstract

The popular adage that Pen is mightier than a Gun holds good when it comes to literature. Many social maladies like dowry, child marriage, gender discrimination, fascism and other problems spanning a human being’s life culturally, economically, sociologically and politically have been set right due to such mighty writings springing from a humble pen and a mighty mind. This author has focused on Basavanna’s Vachana Literature, to examine the social construction prevailing during Basavanna’s times and the enormous impact it created in his times that continues to hold good even today present times. English translation of his works have been used in this paper for research purposes.Basavanna became the pivotal force behind the 12th century bhakti movement and the vachana literature written during his times attempted to simplify life and religion. It goaded and nudged people to follow dharma, righteousness and not to believe superstitions. Although millions of vachanas were penned, many have been lost with still hundreds of thousands having seen the day.