The Lingayat community, founded by the 12th-century philosopher-saint Basavanna, was originally an anti-caste movement that sought to establish a casteless society based on equality, rejection of Vedic rituals, and the worship of the Ishtalinga (personal Shiva linga).
However, over centuries, social stratification based on traditional occupation and the original caste background of the converts led to the development of numerous, endogamous (marrying within the group) sub-sects, often referred to as castes or sub-castes. Today, there are estimated to be over 100 such groups.
The sub-sects are generally categorized based on their traditional occupations:
1. Major Lingayat Sub-Sects by Occupation
The largest and most prominent sub-sects are found primarily in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
| Sub-Sect Name | Traditional Role / Meaning | Status |
| Panchamasali | Agriculturalists (The largest and most dominant group, forming the core of the community). | Dominant Land-owning (often seeks OBC status for reservation benefits). |
| Jangam | Priestly Class (Religious preceptors, who perform all rites, similar to Brahmins in the Hindu system). | High/Ritual Status (Often referred to by titles like Ayya or names like Hiremath or Chikkamath). |
| Banajiga / Linga Balija | Traders and Merchants (Involved in business and commerce). | Trading/Mercantile (Often categorized as OBC). |
| Ganiga | Oil Pressers (Traditional oil extractors, also known as Teli in some regions). | Artisan/OBC. |
| Kuruhinashetty (or Jada / Bilimagga) | Weavers (Involved in weaving cotton and silk). | Artisan/OBC. |
| Sadar | Farmers (General agriculturalists, often distinguished from Panchamasalis). | Agricultural/OBC. |
| Hadapada | Barbers (Traditional barbers who also perform ceremonial duties). | Service/OBC. |
| Madivala | Washermen (Traditional washermen who also perform ritual cleansing). | Service/OBC. |
| Kumbara | Potters (Traditional pot makers). | Artisan/OBC. |
| Nai | Barbers (Another term for barbers in certain areas). | Service/OBC. |
2. Key Social and Political Divisions
Beyond occupational differences, the community is often characterized by the following historical and religious distinctions:
A. Veerashaiva vs. Lingayat
This is a major, ongoing distinction, especially in Karnataka:
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Lingayats (Basavanna’s Followers): The group that strictly follows Basavanna’s reformist principles, which rejected the authority of the Vedas, the caste system, and temple worship. This group is often perceived as seeking a separate religious identity.
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Veerashaivas (Panchacharyas’ Followers): The older, more traditional group that follows the Panchacharyas (five Gurus). They generally accept some aspects of the Vedic tradition, use both the Ishtalinga and the fixed Sthavara Linga (temple idol), and uphold a stricter hierarchy (with Aradhyas often at the top).
Many groups identify as Veerashaiva-Lingayats, combining both identities, leading to complex political and social dynamics.
B. Aradhya
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The Aradhyas are a priestly sub-sect, often considered to be Veerashaiva Brahmins who accepted the Ishtalinga. They historically held a high ritual position, sometimes wearing the sacred thread (Yajñopavītam) and following some Vedic practices that Basavanna’s Lingayats reject. They are often seen as separate from the original followers of Basavanna.
The existence of these sub-sects today means that the Lingayat community, despite its egalitarian founding principles, now operates with an internal social hierarchy, with groups practicing endogamy and seeking reservations based on their socio-economic backwardness.