Sharanabasaveshwar College of Arts, Kalaburagi was started under the aegis of Sharanabasaveshwar Vidhya Vardhak Sangha. The Sangha was founded by Lingykya Poojya Lingabasavappa Appa in the year 1903 and later registered by Lingykya Poojya Doddappa Appa in 1951.

During that period, this region was under the reign of the Nizam State of Hyderabad, where Urdu and Persian predominated in administration and public life. Kannada, the mother tongue of the majority population, was neglected. The people suffered under British colonial rule and Nizam tyranny.

Under such crucial circumstances, Doddappa Appa rose to the need of the hour and started a Public Library in 1918 to create awareness among the people of the region.

His next bold initiative was the establishment of Mahadevi Kanya School in 1934, exclusively meant for girls, that too in Kannada medium, empowering women through education.

Subsequently, Sharanabasaveshwar College of Arts was established in the year 1956, becoming the first private Arts college in the region.

Being the oldest institution providing quality education, the college has contributed immensely to nation-building. It has produced innumerable renowned personalities including political leaders, top administrative officers, lawyers, administrators, businessmen, social workers, statesmen and entrepreneurs.

The college is permanently affiliated to Gulbarga University, Kalaburagi and is recognized under sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act.

The institution is recognized as an institution of quality standards and has been awarded ISO 9001:2015 Certification (Certificate No: QMS/018739/1020).

The college was established with the objective of providing quality education to students from rural, underprivileged and marginalized sections of society.

The institution continues to provide educational opportunities to socially and economically weaker sections of society. A large number of SC/ST and Minority students are pursuing their studies under the guidance of committed management and dedicated faculty members.

• Fine Arts Department established in 1972 – first in South India.
• Introduction of Hindustani Music as an optional subject in B.A.
• Introduction of Computer Education as an add-on course for Arts students.
• Continuous financial support and visionary leadership of Dr. Appaji.