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The Vijayanagara Empire was one of the most powerful empires in South India. It flourished during the 14th to 16th centuries. The rulers of this empire were great patrons of arts and literature and as a result, they attracted some of the most talented poets of the time to their court. One of the most fascinating aspects of this empire was the presence of the Ashtadiggajas during the rule of King Krishna Deva Raya. They were a group of eight distinguished poets and scholars who graced the royal court. Let us dive into the world of the Ashtadiggajas of the Vijayanagara Empire and explore their contribution.
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Who were the Ashtadiggajas?
The Ashtadiggajas were the 8 legendary poets and belonged to the court of King Krishnadevaraya, the ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, during the 16th century. The group of 8 poets played an important role in shaping the ‘Telugu literary renaissance’ and are remembered for their timeless contributions to poetry and storytelling.
The term ‘Ashtadiggajas’ means ‘eight elephants guarding the eight directions,’ symbolising their strength in literature and knowledge. Each poet had a unique style, which ranged from humour and devotion to patriotism and philosophical depth.
They made the court of Krishnadevaraya a golden centre of learning and creativity. Their works continue to be studied and loved even today for their beauty, values, and mastery over language.
The Eight Court Poets or Ashtadiggajas
Following are the 8 jewels from the court of King Krishnadevaraya with their reason for popularity and work.
| List of Poets | Who They Were and What They Wrote | List of Famous Work(s) |
| Allasani Peddana | Allasani Peddana was the most respected among the eight and was called the Grandfather of Telugu Poetry. He wrote beautiful epic poems that told the love story of Manu and Cheliya. | Harikathasaram, and Manucharitram |
| Tenali Ramakrishna | Tenali Ramakrishna is known for his sharp wit and humour. He was not just a poet but also the favourite jester of the king. His stories often had morals hidden in fun and laughter. | Ghatikachala Mahatmyau, Udbhataradhya Charitramu and Pandurang Mahtmyam |
| Nandi Thimmana | Nandi Thimmana was talented in both Telugu and Sanskrit. His most famous work talks about Lord Krishna bringing the Parijata flower for his wife. | Parijataapaharanam |
| Dhoorjati | Dhoorjati was known for writing deep and thoughtful poems, using clever comparisons and serious ideas. His writings showed his devotion and wisdom. | Sri Kalahasteeswara Satakam |
| Ayyalaraju Ramabhadra | Ayyalaraju Ramabhadra was a strong devotee of Lord Venkateswara, his poems were full of love, faith, and admiration for nature. People loved his simple and heartfelt writing. | Sakala Katha Sara Sangraham |
| Pingali Surana | Pingali Surana was great at expressing emotions and retelling stories in a new way. His poems explored human feelings and epic tales with a fresh point of view. | Raghava Pandaveeyam |
| Ramaraja Bhushana | Ramaraja Bhushana’s writings were full of pride and love for the Vijayanagara Empire. He used poetry to inspire people and praise the glory of the kingdom. | Vasucharitramu, Kavyalankarasangrahamu, and Harischandranalopkhyanamu |
| Madayyagari Mallana | Madayyagari Mallana was a very creative poet, he was skilled in writing different types of poems, like elegies and odes. His words were emotional and touched the hearts of many. | Rajasekhara Charitramu |
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Importance of the Ashtadiggajas of Vijayanagara Empire
In the points below, we will explore how the Ashtadiggajas made a lasting impact on Telugu literature and why they are still remembered as literary legends today.
- The Ashtadiggajas were eight great poets and scholars who played a key role in making King Krishnadevaraya’s court a famous centre for literature and learning in the 16th century.
- The ‘Group of 8’ helped in creating a golden age of Telugu literature by writing poems that were creative, meaningful, and full of life.
- Each member of the Ashtadiggajas had a special writing style that made their work unique and important in the field of literature.
- Allasani Peddana, known as the Father of Telugu Poetry, set new standards in Telugu literature with his famous epic Manucharitram.
- Tenali Ramakrishna became popular for his sharp wit and clever stories that were both entertaining and filled with valuable lessons.
- Nandi Thimmana and Madayyagari Mallana helped grow the Prabandha style of poetry, which became very popular for storytelling.
- The works of the Ashtadiggajas combined imagination, devotion, and intelligence, which reflected the cultural richness of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- The poems written by the Ashtadiggajas explored themes like love, nature, religion, duty, and heroism in a way that was easy to understand but deep in meaning.
- The contributions of the Ashtadiggajas are still remembered today, and their poems continue to inspire students, readers, and writers around the world.
- The Ashtadiggajas of Vijayanagara Empire helped preserve the Telugu language and promoted its growth through their powerful and thoughtful poetry.
Ashtadiggajas of Vijayanagara Empire played an important role in the growth of Telugu literature. Their creative and meaningful works still inspire and influence people today. The impact of their poetry continues to be felt by students, writers, and scholars around the world.
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Ans. The Ashtadiggajas were eight great scholars and poets who were part of King Krishnadevaraya’s court in the 16th century. They played an important role in promoting Telugu literature and culture during his reign.
Ans. The four main dynasties of the Vijayanagara Empire were the Saluvas, Tuluvas, Aravidu, and Sangama dynasties. These dynasties contributed to the empire’s rise and expansion.
Ans. There are eight Ashtadiggajas, each known for their literary genius and contributions to Telugu literature during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya.
Ans. Krishnadevaraya was never defeated in battle during his reign. He was a strong and successful ruler who won many battles and expanded his empire.
Ans. Sri Krishnadevaraya is buried at Anegondi, near Hospet in Karnataka. The tomb is a symbol of his greatness and legacy.
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