Chinnaswamy asserts that Lingayatism, rooted in Basava's teachings, should be recognized as a distinct religion due to its opposition to caste and promotion of gender equality.

Mudnakudu Chinnaswamy, a prominent Kannada poet and Dalit voice, has authored 50 books and received several prestigious awards, including the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award and the Sahitya Akademi Award.

Chinnaswamy highlights that Buddha's teachings emphasized equality and fraternity, rejecting rituals and focusing on mindfulness and compassion.

Chinnaswamy challenges the view that caste is a Western construct, asserting that historical evidence demonstrates the long-standing oppression of Shudras and Dalits in India.

His recent book, 'Milk of Equality, Soured', explores the lives and ideologies of Gautam Buddha, Basava, and Bhimrao Ambedkar, who all fought against caste oppression.

Basava, who lived centuries later, opposed the Vedic system, advocating for unity among all castes and promoting the concept of monotheism in his vachanas.

Chinnaswamy criticizes the original Vedic religion for promoting inequality through the four varnas, leading to a social hierarchy that marginalized the Shudras.

Ambedkar's work aimed at the annihilation of caste and untouchability is reflected in the Indian Constitution, showcasing his commitment to social justice.

Despite Ambedkar's conversion to Buddhism in 1956, many Dalits hesitated to follow, fearing loss of reservation benefits tied to their Scheduled Caste status.

Buddhism, which offered an egalitarian belief system, declined in India due to the violent resurgence of Vedic traditions following the assassination of the last Mauryan king.

He argues that modern scholarship attempting to absolve historical injustices is flawed and overlooks the immense suffering caused by caste discrimination.