Lingayat Holds Protest In Delhi For Independent Religion

Mumbai :  On Wednesday members from Lingayat community held protest at Jantar Mantar demanding for their independent status for linayat religion.

Earlier, on Saturday, the members of the group were protested in front of the District Commissioner’s Office in Karnataka Kalburagi, they demanded reservation model similar to Maharashtra Reservation in Maharashtra.

Lingayatism is a Shaivite Hindu religious tradition in India. Initially known as Veerashaivas, since the 18th century adherents of this faith are known as Lingayats.

Lingayatism was founded, or revived by the 12th-century philosopher and statesman Basava in Karnataka. Lingayat scholars thrived in northern Karnataka during the Vijayanagara Empire (14th-18th century).

In the 21st century, some Lingayats have sought legal recognition as a religion distinct from Hinduism and Veerashaivas, a request which gained support from the Congress-led Karnataka government in 2018.

In March the Karnataka government declared minority status to the Lingayat.