Krishnadevaraya - a great patron of learning and literature

Krishnadevaraya ruled the Vijayanagar empire from 1509 to 1526 A.D. He was an able scholar himself and promoted Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Sanskrit literature during his rule. His reign was called as the Golden Period of Telugu Literature. Some of his famous works include books such as Amukta Malyada (in Telugu), Jambavati Kalyana (in Sanskrit) and Krishnadevaraya Dinachari (in Kannada). He was also called as Abhinava Bhoga. He had eight Telugu poets in his court called as Ashtadiggajas.

There was a direct question asked in 2016 UPSC Mains examination which required to list down the contributions of Krishnadevaraya in promoting literature within 150 words. So let's go through the question asked on Krishnadevaraya in UPSC Mains 2016 exam and checkout a sample answer for the question.  

Question: 

Krishnadevaraya was not only an accomplished scholar himself, but was a great patron of learning and literature. [150 words] [UPSC Mains -2016]

Krishnadevaraya (1509-1526) was the greatest ruler of Vijayanagar empire. He was the third ruler of Tuluva dynasty. 

There were various titles given to Krishnadevaraya such as :

• Kannada Rajya Rama Ramana
• Mooru Rayara Ganda
• Andhra Bhoja

1) Krishnadevaraya was a gifted scholar of Telugu and Sanskrit literature. He wrote several works in Telugu, Kannada and Sanskrit language, but as of today only three works are available :

a)  Amukta Malyada : a poem written in Telugu language which describes the wedding of Lord Vishnu and Andal. 

b)  Jambavati Kalyana - a DRAMA in Sanskrit 

c) Krishnadevaraya Dinachari -  written in Kannada, it was like a PERSONAL DIARY maintained by him.

Apart from Jambavati Kalyana, his other works in Sanskrit were : 

• Madalasa Charita, 
• Satyavadu Parinaya, 
• Rasamanjari  

2) Ashtadiggajas 

• The Vijayanagara period was known as the Golden age of Telugu Literature

• Krishnadevaraya extended his patronage to Telugu, Kannada and Tamil Poets alike.

• The eight Telugu literature luminaries, popularly known as Ashtadiggajas adorned his court. 
• Among them, Allasani Peddana, the author of Manuchitram was the greatest. He was known as Andhra Kavita Pitamaha.

The Ashtadiggajas of Krishnadevaraya's court were :

1.    Allasani Peddana - wrote Manuchitram

2.    Nandi Timmara - wrote Parijathapaharanam

3.    Madayagiri Mallana

4.    Dhurjati

5.    Ramaraja Bhushana,

6.    Pingali Surana,

7.    Tenali Ramakrishna,

8.    Ayyalaraju Rambhara

3) Some of the Kannada poets patronized by him were :

• Mallanarya, 
• Chatu Vittal anatha 
• Timmanna Kavi.

Krishnadevaraya was thus a great patron of learning and literature and hence was called as Abhinava Bhoga. 

Thus, from the above discussion was could see that Krishnadevaraya, the greatest ruler of Vijayanagar empire was himself was a great scholar and he promoted literature during his reign. 

Some of the Facts to remember:

1) The Portuguese travelers who visited Vijayanagar empire during the rule of Krishnadevaraya were:

• Domingo Paes
• Fernao Nuniz

2) The Prime Minister of Vijayanagar empire during Krishnadevarayas rule was Timmarusu.

3) Father of Krishnadevaraya was Tuluva Narasa Nayaka.

4) Krishnadevaraya defeated several rulers during his reign :

• Gajapatis (Odisha),
• Sultana of Bijapur,
• Sultana of Golkonda,
• Bahmani Sultanate

5) Where did Krishnadevaraya died ?   Hampi

6) Temples built by Krishnadevaraya - Vithalswami and Hazara Temple in Hampi

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