The medieval period in Karnataka witnessed a remarkable flourishing of literature, deeply influenced by the socio-political, cultural, and religious developments of the time. Kannada and Sanskrit were the primary literary languages, with a wide range of literary forms encompassing prose, poetry, and philosophical treatises. This era was marked by prolific writers and poets who were supported by royal patronage, as well as the emergence of devotional movements that inspired significant literary contributions.
Works in Kannada
1. Early Kannada Literature
The medieval period saw Kannada evolving as a robust literary language. The literary works of this era were heavily influenced by Jainism, Shaivism, and later, the Bhakti movement.
Pampa (902975 CE): Known as dikavi (the first poet) of Kannada, Pampa wrote the epics Adipurana and Vikramarjuna Vijaya (also called Pampa Bharata). These works exemplify his command of classical Kannada and his ability to weave moral and philosophical narratives.
Ranna (9491020 CE): A contemporary of Pampa, Ranna is remembered for his works Gadayuddha (The Battle of Maces) and Ajitha Purana. His poetry combined vigor with rich imagery.
Nagachandra (12th century): Nagachandras Ramachandra Charita Purana retells the story of the Ramayana with a Jain perspective, showcasing the adaptability of religious epics to regional literary traditions.
2. Vachana Sahitya
The 12th century marked the rise of Vachana literature, a unique genre of prose poetry that emerged as part of the Virashaiva (Lingayat) movement.
Basavanna: Basavannas Vachanas are revolutionary in their simplicity, clarity, and focus on equality, advocating for a caste-free society and devotion to Shiva.
Akkamahadevi: A prominent woman poet, Akkamahadevis Vachanas reflect her intense spiritual experiences and devotion to Lord Shiva, often using metaphors to express mystical union.
Allama Prabhu: His Vachanas are deeply philosophical, emphasizing self-realization and the rejection of rituals.
3. Bhakti Movement and Haridasa Literature
The Bhakti movement in the 14th17th centuries influenced Kannada literature, especially with the Haridasa tradition.
Purandara Dasa: Often called the father of Carnatic music, his compositions in Kannada were devotional and aimed at bringing spiritual ideas to the common people.
Kanaka Dasa: Known for his social reformist ideas, Kanaka Dasas works, like Ramadhanya Charitre, highlighted themes of equality and devotion.
Works in Sanskrit
1. Early Sanskrit Contributions
Medieval Karnataka also contributed significantly to Sanskrit literature, particularly through scholarly and philosophical works.
Dandin (7th8th century): A celebrated Sanskrit poet and critic, Dandins Kavyadarsha remains an authoritative text on Sanskrit poetics.
Shivakotyacharya: Authored Kasayapahuda, an early text on Jain philosophy, demonstrating Karnataka's contributions to Sanskrit theological literature.
2. Sanskrit and Religious Movements
The interplay of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism resulted in diverse Sanskrit compositions.
Madhvacharya (12381317 CE): The proponent of the Dvaita (dualism) school of Vedanta, Madhvacharyas works in Sanskrit include Brahmasutra Bhashya and Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya.
Vidyaranya (14th century): A philosopher and theologian, Vidyaranya is credited with Panchadasi and played a significant role in supporting the Vijayanagara Empire.
3. Patronage and Courtly Literature
Sanskrit literature flourished under royal patronage, producing works in poetics, drama, and theology.
Kumaravyasa (15th century): Though primarily a Kannada poet, Kumaravyasa contributed to the Sanskrit Mahabharata tradition with his interpretations.
Patronage of Writers and Poets
1. Chalukya Dynasty (6th12th Century)
The Chalukyas were instrumental in nurturing Kannada and Sanskrit literature. Court poets were often supported generously.
Vikramaditya VI: A ruler of the Western Chalukyas, he patronized writers like Bilhana, whose Sanskrit work Vikramankadeva Charita glorifies his reign.
2. Hoysala Dynasty (11th14th Century)
The Hoysalas were great patrons of Jain and Hindu literature, encouraging works in Kannada and Sanskrit.
King Vishnuvardhana: Supported poets like Janna, whose Yashodhara Charite is a classic of Kannada literature.
Ballala II: Encouraged Lakshmisha, who authored Jaimini Bharata, a Kannada retelling of the Mahabharata.
3. Vijayanagara Empire (14th17th Century)
The Vijayanagara rulers were exceptional patrons of arts and literature, fostering a golden age of culture.
Krishnadevaraya (15091529 CE): A great scholar himself, Krishnadevaraya wrote Amuktamalyada in Telugu but supported Kannada and Sanskrit writers as well.
Madhura: The court poet of Devaraya II, he composed Raghunatha Vijaya, a Sanskrit epic.
4. Wodeyar Dynasty (16th18th Century)
The Mysore Wodeyars continued the tradition of patronage, supporting both religious and secular literature.
King Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar: Known for his interest in Carnatic music and his encouragement of Kannada poets like Purandara Dasa.
Impact of Literature on Society
The literary developments in medieval Karnataka deeply influenced the cultural and spiritual ethos of the region. The themes of equality, devotion, and moral philosophy resonated with the masses, breaking barriers of caste and class. The patronage from rulers ensured that literary excellence flourished, creating a legacy that continues to inspire modern literature.
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