Vachana literature

Vachana literature is a form of poetic expression that emerged in 12th-century South India, particularly among the Kannada-speaking community. It consists of short, powerful prose-poems called "vachanas" that convey spiritual ideas, social reform, and personal insights. Written by saints and reformers like Basavanna, Vachanas promote devotion, equality, and criticism of social injustices. They are accessible, direct, and emphasize individual experience and moral values. This literature played a crucial role in shaping Karnataka's cultural and religious identity, blending philosophy with everyday life in a compelling, straightforward style.