To which religion the leader of the Virashaiva tradition, Basavanna initially belonged?

Buddhism Ajivika Brahmana None of the above.

Brahmana

The twelfth century witnessed the emergence of a new movement in Karnataka, led by a Brahmana named Basavanna (1106-68) who was a minister in the court of a Kalachuri ruler. His followers were known as Virashaivas (heroes of Shiva) or Lingayats (wearers of the linga).