Basavakalyan is a town in Bidar District of the state of Karnataka, India, and was historically known as Kalyan.

Before India's independence, Basavakalyan was called Kalyani. After independence and division of states on linguistic basis in 1956, Kalyana was renamed as BasavaKalyana in memory of Vishwaguru Basavanna, a great revolutionary who established Anubhava Mantapa (spiritual democracy) in 12th Century in India.

Basavakalyana was ruled by Western Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Yadavas of Devagiri, Bijapur Sultanate, Bahamani Sultanate (Bidar, Gulbarga), Mughals, Hyderabad Nizams.

It was the royal capital of the Western Chalukya (Kalyani Chalukyas) dynasty from 1050 to 1195. Somesvara I (1041-1068A.D.) made Kalyana as his capital, recognised as Kalyani Chalukyas to differentiate with Badami Chalukyas. Later ruled by Somesvara II, Vikramaditya VI, Somesvara III, Jagadhekamalla III and Tailapa III. Before this Manyakheta was their capital. During 10th-12th centuries ruled nearly half of India, most of the western Deccan, South India. King Vikramaditya VI had In his court scholars such as Someshwara, Bilhana (poet of Kashmir) and Vigyaneshwara (legal expert).

The earliest examples of the Kalyani Chalukya style are found at Kuknur. The Kalleshvara and Navalinga temples here bear resemblances to early Chalukya group of Aihole and Pattadkal. The Jaina temple at Lakkundi near Gadag forms the nest step in the improvement of this style introducing a greater ornamental effec in the treatment of the surface.

The Kalyani style of architecture reaches its maturity and culmination in the 12th century. Kasi Vishveshvara at Lakkundi, Mallikarjuna at Kuruvatti and Mahadeva Temple (Itagi) are the finest examples produced by the later Chalukya architects. The Saraswathi and Someshwara temples at Gadag are in a mutilated condition. There are nearly one hundred monuments of the period, scattered all over the Deccan, giving us information about the artistic excellence attained by the later Chalukyas of Kalyani.

Kalachuris succeeded Kalyani Chalukyas continued Kalyani as there capital. During 12th century the Kalachuri King Bijjala (1156-1167) assumed the throne, and Basaveshwara appointed as his Prime Minister. Basaveshwara led a social movement to stop untouchability and gender discrimination, Shivasharana revolution took place. Basaveshwara motivated many with the Vachana sahitya, and more than 600 people became writers called as Vachanakaras.

The centre of a great social and religious movement. In 12th century, because of the social reformer Basava, it became a seat of learning. Basava, Akka Mahadevi, Channabasavanna, Siddarama and other Sharanas are associated with Basavakalyana. Basava, who fought against castism and orthodoxy in Hinduism.

At Jalasangvi, Narayanapura and Shivapura there are temples of the Chalukya dynasty. Basaveshvara temple is at the centre of Basavakalyana. There are some Islamic monuments Moti Mahal, Hydari Mahal, Peeran Durga. And other religious places such as Gachchina Matha, Kambali Matha and Sadananda Matha.

• Basavakalyana Fort

Basavakalyana Fort constructed by Chalukyas it includes Jain images on wall. There is museum in side fort, there are Jain idols of the 10-11 century AD.

• Shiva Temple at Narayanpura

There is a Shiva Temple at Narayanpura which dating back to Chalukya times (11th century), 4 km from Basavakalyana.

• Basaveshwara Temple and Anubhav mantap

• There is a statue of Allamaprabhu, as the guru of the Basavanna and the related photos of Basavanna which he has worked for the people.

• There is lake beside it and full of trees surrounding its Temple.

• Basava Dharma Peetha Charitable Trust with the intension of reviving Sharana cultural heritage purchased a land of 3 acres on 21-12-2001 by the side of main road nearby the entrance of Basava Kalyana town. Later on the Trust purchased 17.5 acres just adjacent to the previous land and has built a prayer hall and living rooms. Haralayya Tirtha - an attractive water reservoir is formed.

• Sri Basaveswara cave and Akkamahadevi cave have been chiselled and carved beautifully in laterite rock-soil. Sharana village formed pictures the concept of 12th Century Sharanas engaged actively in their Kayakas(occupations).

• The Trust is running an orphanage. There is a beautiful Hillock which is named as Sharana Shaila. Beautiful rolling land scape is the high light of the place. On Sharana Shaila is erected Lord Basavanna’s statue of 108’ height. It is structured on a pedestal of 24 feet height, 60’ x 80’ size.

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