“Basavaraj Kalgudi, born in 1956 in Belagavi, completed his education in Bengaluru and earned his M.A. in 1975, followed by a Ph.D. in 1983 for his thesis Experience and Cultural Problems. His notable research includes Mahasati Acharane, based on fieldwork around Masthikallu practices in Karnataka. Though focused on inscriptions, he used them as vital sources for studying Kannada culture.
Renowned for his multidisciplinary approach, Kalgudi explored cultural shifts and interpreted Vachana literature from a contemporary lens, earning distinction in Kannada literary criticism. He served as a professor for 30 years at Bangalore University’s Kannada Study Centre and held key administrative roles, including Director of Prasaranga, Gandhi Study Centre, Ambedkar Study Centre, and other research units.”
