History

History of the Kannada Literature- II


By Dr. (Mrs) Jyotsna Kamat

ಕೃಪೆ : Kamat.com

Veerashaivism and TheVachanas

There were Vachanakaras prior to Basavanna like Devara Dasimayya, Madara Channayya, and Sakalesha Madarasa. The revolutionary spirit and social awareness ushered in by Basavanna gave strong impetus to the composition of Vachanas attracting large numbers of devotees who belonged to different strata of society. They gave expression to their own milieu, depicting imagery and symbolism revealing different professions to which he or she belonged.

Vachanas contain the thought and experience of Vachanakaras who strived for God realization through their own vocations. Vachanas are aphoristic in form and rhythmic in...

History of the Kannada Literature- III


By Dr. (Mrs) Jyotsna Kamat

ಕೃಪೆ : Kamat.comThe rise of the 12th century saw the versatile growth of Kannada literature. Jain, Brahmin as well as Virashaiva works which tried to depict true bhakti or devotion and self attainment (moksha) emerged. Attempts to glorify their patrons were forgotten for the time being. Works on mathematics, medicine, veterinary science, and encyclopedic works like Lokopakaram dealing with science in every day life were composed. Verse form was popular and all these works are in poetry form only. Astrology, architecture, medicine, horticulture, cookery, perfumery, veterinary science are compiled in the Lokopakaram. Other Kannada works of the period...

History of the Kannada Literature- II


By Dr. (Mrs) Jyotsna Kamat

ಕೃಪೆ : Kamat.com

From epigraphically records we learn that Kannada was a full-fledged language of communication by the 5th century A.D.( Halmidi inscription). Verse form was quite popular among poets by the 8th century. Though Kavirajamarga () refers to several earlier poets and their works, these are not traceable. Hence we may agree that Pampa ( 902-975 A.D.) was the first poet though he also suggests that his works excel all the earlier existing ones ( ). 'Desi' and 'Marga' styles of native Kannada and then others influenced by Sanskrit had become demarcated clearly by then, and Pampa prided over assimilating both styles in his two great epics...

History of the Kannada Literature- I


By Dr. (Mrs) Jyotsna Kamat

ಕೃಪೆ : Kamat.com

Kannada is the language predominant in the state of Karnataka in India. In this special feature at Kamat's Potpourri, Dr. Kamat who is an authority on medieval and ancient Kannada literature, traces the history of the Kannada Language. The first of the series covers the earliest texts and determines the origins. She then covers the great Jain and Veerashaiva works. - Ed..

Early History

Perhaps being the oldest language next to Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Tamil, Kannada country and language have a rich heritage. 'Kavirajamarga' () of king Nripatunga (9th century A.D.) is believed to be...