Basava (1131โ1196), also called Basavฤลvara and Basavaแนแนa, was an Indian philosopher, poet, Lingayat social reformer in the Shiva-focused bhakti movement, and a Hindu Shaivite social reformer during the reign of the Kalyani Chalukya and the Kalachuri Dynasty. Basava was active during the rule of both dynasties, but his influence peaked during the reign of King Bijjala II in Karnataka, India.