The Ethnology Of Beda Badaga Jangam Caste In Andhra Pradesh

PREFACE
Lord Basaveswara (1116 to 1168) of 12th Century is one
of the most outstanding personalities in the religious history of
India. He is a prophet path finder, savant and seer. Basveswara
is kind like Buddha, simple like Mahavir, compassionate like
Jesus, bold like Mohammad. He is liberator of the downtrodden,
emanicipator of women, liquidator of untouchability, harbinger of
equality, messenger of the dignity of labour, messaiah of the
masses, herald of a new literary renaissance and leader of a
great people's movement. Academy called Anubhava Mantapa
was established in 1140 A. D in the city of Kalyan now known
as Basavakafyan in Bidar district of Karnataka state. The
burning zeal of Basveswara to place religion on a democratic
basis, his passionate love for God and his untiring energy in
serving humanity added to the glory of Anubhava Mantapa. The
very important system established by Basveswara is that
of the preachers, called Jangams.
Jangama, a Sanskrit word, etyrnologically means
that which moves. It symbolises a man who moves from
place to place, preaching moral and religious values.
There are two main categories of Jangams viz 1. Sthira;
and 2. Chara. Sthira Jangama is a person who, staying in
math i.e. a Lingayath Monastery has to carry on mass
education preaching to the local people and giving them
the necessary guidance to achieve Spiritual progress, and
to perform certain rites and rituals concerned with birth,
marriage, death, holy communion on special ocassions
etc. Chara Jangama is one who constantly moves
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