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Kannada literature has a rich tradition that has evolved over the years. It reflects the cultural, social, and political changes in Karnataka. It is one of India’s oldest traditions, with a rich history dating back thousands of years. From early religious texts of the medieval period to the modern to modern 20th century, Kannada literature offers a glimpse into human life experience while capturing the complexities of life. In this section, we will look at Kannada Literature and its significance in ancient India. This is also a potential subject that can appear in the art and culture section of various competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC and EPFO. If you want to know more about the Kannada literature, then this blog is for you!
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Historical Background of Kannada Literature
Kannada literature is the oldest and most vibrant literature in India. This genre is majorly established in the southern region of Karnataka. This literature covers a wide range of themes and forms, reflecting the cultural, social, and political evolution of the region. Kannada literature can be classified into several periods, each with its own characteristics and contributions.
Early Kannada Literature (450-1200 CE)
The earliest Kannada literature was written around the 5th century CE. During this time, Kannada is primarily a spoken language. The Halmidi inscription, dating back to approximately 450 CE, is the oldest known Kannada inscription.
- Jainism and its teachings had an impact on Kannada’s early literary works.
- Jain poets contributed significantly to the development of early Kannada literature.
- The most important work from this period is the Kavirajamarga. It provides a guide to Kannada poetry.
- Another notable Jain work from this period is Vaddaradhane, a collection of moral stories. This work represents the earliest example of Kannada prose writing.
Medieval Kannada Literature (1200-1600 CE)
The medieval period in Kannada literature is also known as the “Age of the Vachanas” because of the beginnings of the Vachana movement. This was a period of huge religious significance because of the emergence of the Bhakti Movement.
- The Vachana movement was led by Basavanna, who founded the Veerashaiva sect.
- The Vachanas were simple, poetic expressions of devotion that were accessible to the common people.
- Other important Vachana poets include Akka Mahadevi, Allama Prabhu, and Devara Dasimayya.
- This period also saw the rise of the Haridasa movement, which focused on producing devotional songs and hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu.
- These songs, composed in Kannada, have a significant impact on people’s cultural and spiritual lives.
Also Read: Gems of Hindi Literature & their Exceptional Work
The Renaissance Period (1600-1900 CE)
Between the 16th and 19th centuries, Kannada literature witnessed a renaissance. During this time, classical themes were revived, and new literary forms were introduced.
- During this time, the Yakshagana tradition gained popularity. Yakshagana is a genre of dance drama that depicts stories from Hindu mythology.
- Yakshagana’s literary component included the composition of Yakshagana Prasangas, which were written in a mix of Kannada and Tulu.
- This era also saw the emergence of important historical and biographical works, such as the Ragale form of poetry, which gained popularity during this time.
Modern Kannada Literature (1900 CE-Present)
In this section, we have listed important points regarding Kannada literature in order to acquaint you with the contemporary literary trends :
- The modern period of Kannada literature is characterized by the influence of Western ideas and concepts. This historical period saw the emergence of social and political movements in Karnataka. This period contributed to the widely recognized works of Kannada literature.
- The Navodaya, a social movement, began at the beginning of the 20th century.
- Nationalist and reformist ideologies had a significant impact on writers during this period. B.M. Srikantaiah was an important individual in the movement.
- B.M. Srikantaiah promoted the mixing of simple Kannada literature with Western literary forms.
- Kuvempu is one of Kannada’s greatest modern writers. He wrote Sri Ramayana Darshanam, Ramayan in modern Kannada, which is considered a landmark in the history of Indian literature.
- D.R. Bendre, an important figure in modern Kannada literature, is known for his lyrical poetry. He is regarded as one of the most important poets of the Navodaya movement, with his work showing a deep understanding of human emotions.
- The Navya movement in Kannada literature emerged in the middle of the 20th century, and it was influenced by Western literature.
- U.R. Ananthamurthy, Girish Karnad, and P. Lankesh are some well-known Kannada writers.
Also Read: Vedic Period: A Sacred Chapter of Indian History
Contemporary Kannada Literature
Contemporary Kannada literature reflects the changing social, political, and cultural landscape of Karnataka. Writers address a wide range of issues, including globalisation, gender, and caste.
- Dalit literature emerged as a strong voice in Kannada literature in the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Writers such as Siddalingaiah, Devanur Mahadeva, and B.T. Lalitha Naik fought for the representation of marginalised populations in Kannada literature.
- Women writers like Vaidehi and Anupama Niranjana have also made significant contributions to contemporary Kannada literature.
- The majority of Kannada literature addressed issues of gender, identity, and social justice.
- The rise of digital platforms has also had a significant impact on Kannada literature, allowing greater diversity in Kannada writing.
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FAQs
Kannada literature has a rich tradition that has evolved over the years. It reflects the cultural, social, and political changes in Karnataka. It is one of India’s oldest traditions, with a rich history dating back thousands of years.
Renaissance means the revival of an art form. The Renaissance period for Kannada literature was observed during the 16th and 19th centuries, when classical themes were revived, and new literary forms were introduced.
Writers such as Siddalingaiah, Devanur Mahadeva, B.T. Lalitha Naik, Kuvempu, U.R. Ananthamurthy, Girish Karnad, P. Lankesh and Women writers like Vaidehi and Anupama Niranjana are some of the notable writers of Kannada literature.
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