Western Ganga literature

Western Ganga literature (Kannada:ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಗಂಗ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ) refers to a body of writings created during the rule of the Western Ganga Dynasty, a dynasty that ruled the region historically known as Gangavadi (modern Southern Karnataka, India) between the 4th and 11th centuries. The period of their rule was an important time in the history of South Indian literature in general and Kannada literature in particular, though many of the writings are deemed extinct. Some of the most famous poets of Kannada language graced the courts of the Ganga kings. Kings, court poets and royalty created eminent works in Kannada language and Sanskrit language that spanned such literary forms as prose, poetry, Hindu epics, Jain Tirthankaras (saints) and elephant management.

Kannada writings

The writings of Chavundaraya who was a famous Ganga minister and army commander, known as "Chavundaraya Purana" (or "Trishashtilakshana mahapurana") written in 978 CE, is an early existing work in prose in Kannada and is a summary of the Sanskrit writings, "Adipurana" and "Uttarapurana", written by Jinasena and Gunabhadra during the rule of Rashtrakuta Amoghavarsha I.Narasimhacharya (1988), p18] Kamath (2001), p45] Chopra, Ravindran, Subrahmanian 2003, p160] The prose, composed in lucid Kannada, was meant mainly for the common man and avoided any reference to complicated elements of Jain doctrines and philosophy. In his writing, the influences of his predecessor Adikavi Pampa and contemporary Ranna are seen. The work narrates the legends of twenty-four Jain Tirthankaras, twelve "Chakravarti's", nine "Balabhadra's" , nine "Narayana's" and nine "Pratinarayana's" – narrations on 63 Jain proponents in all.Sastri (1955), p357] Kulkarni (1975) in Adiga (2006), p256]

This writing states that along with the Tirthankaras, their mothers were also worshipped, particularly by women. The worship of Vaishravana, the keeper of celestial treasure was for acquiring moral and religious merit ("punya"), the worship of Dharanendra was for acquiring sons and of Shridevi for warding off influences of evil deities ("vairi devategal").Adiga 2006, p264] The author eulogises his preceptor Ajitasena Munindra thus :"He removes the stain of karma and awakens the spirit of those close to him ("aptavarga"), he astonishes rival disputants and secures the goddess of liberation ("mokshalakshmi") to those desiring it. O Bhavya, worship the lotus feet of Ajitasena Munindra with a pure mind".Adiga (2006), p273]

The earliest known Kannada writer from this dynasty is King Durvinita of the 6th century. Kavirajamarga of 850 CE, refers to him as an early writer in Kannada prose.Sastri (1955), p355] Kamath (2001), p40] It is claimed that the name Durvinita is found only in Kavirajamarga and Western Ganga inscriptions prior to the Magadi inscription of 966. This according to historians is proof enough that the Durvinita mentioned in Kavirajamarga is the Western Ganga king.Narasimhacharya (1988), p2]

Gunavarma I, an early Kannada writer authored "Sudraka" and "Harivamsa" (also known as "Neminatha Purana"), the earliest known purana in Kannada, Doniger (1993), p 281] around 900 CE. His works are considered extinct but are found referenced in later years. He is known to have been patronised by King Ereganga Neetimarga II in late 9th century - early 10th century. In his writing "Sudraka", the author has favourably compared his patron to King Sudraka of ancient times.kamath (2001), p50] Narasimhacharya (1988), p18] The great Kannada poet Ranna (who was also a soldier by training),Adiga (2006), p2] who along with Sri Ponna and Adikavi Pampa are considered the "three gems of Kannada literature"Sastri (1955), p356] was patronised by Chavundaraya, the Ganga minister in his early literary days. Ranna's classic "Parashurama charite" which is considered extinct may have been a eulogy of his patron who held such titles as "Samara Parashurama". Ranna later went on to become the poet laureate of Western Chalukya Kings Tailapa II and Satyasraya.Sastri (1955), p356] Kamath (2001), p45]

Nagavarma I, a brahmin scholar who came from Vengi in modern Andhra Pradesh (late 10th century) was also patronised by Chavundaraya. He wrote "Chandombudhi" (ocean of prosody) addressed to his wife. This is considered the earliest available Kannada writing in prosody.Sastri (1955), p357] Narasimhacharya (1988), p18] His other existing writing , "Karnataka Kadambari" written in sweet and flowing "champu" style (a composition written in a mixed prose-verse style) has found popularity with critics and is based on an earlier romance in Sanskrit by poet Bana.Narasimhacharya (1988), p12] "Gajashtaka" (a hundred verses) a work on elephant management, known to have been written by King Shivamara II around 800 CE, is now considered extinct.Kamath (2001), p50] Other writers from the close of the 10th century whose names are known are Manasiga and Chandrabhatta.Narasimhacharya (1988), p19]

anskrit writings

This was the age of classical Sanskrit literature. From the earliest times, Western Ganga kings showed a strong inclination towards the fine arts. King Madhava II (brother of King Vishnugopa) wrote a treatise "Dattaka Sutravritti" on an earlier work on erotics by a writer called Dattaka. To King Durvinita is ascribed the Sanskrit version of "Vaddakatha", a commentary on Panini's grammar called "Sabdavathara" and a commentary on the 15th chapter of a Sanskrit work called "Kiratarjunneya" by poet Bharavi (who was in King Durvinita's court).Kamath (2001), p49] King Sripurusha wrote a treatise on elephants called "Gajashastra" and King Shivamara II is known to have written "Gajamata Kalpana".

Hemasena, also known as Vidya Dhananjaya authored "Raghavapandaviya", a narration of the stories of Rama and the Pandavas simulteneously through puns.Venkatasubbiah in Kamath (2001), p50] His pupil Vadeebhasimha wrote in prose "Gayachintamani" and "Kshatrachudamini" based on poet Banas "Kadambari"Kamath (2001), p50] and minister Chavundaraya wrote "Charitarasara".Kamath (2001), p45]

Notes

References

*cite book |last= Kamath|first= Suryanath U.|title= A concise history of Karnataka : from pre-historic times to the present|origyear=1980|year= 2001|publisher= Jupiter books|location= Bangalore|oclc= 7796041|id= LCCN|809|0|5179
*cite book |last= Adiga|first= Malini|title= The Making of Southern Karnataka: Society, Polity and Culture in the early medieval period, AD 400-1030|origyear=2006|year= 2006|publisher= Orient Longman|location= Chennai|isbn= 81 250 2912 5
*cite book |last= Chopra, Ravindran, Subrahmanian |first= P.N., T.K., N. |title= History of South India (Ancient, Medieval and Modern) Part I|origyear=2003|year=2003|publisher= Chand publications |location= New Delhi|isbn = 81-219-0153-7
*cite web|author=Arthikaje|title=The Gangas of Talakad|url=http://www.ourkarnataka.com/states/history/historyofkarnataka11.htm|publisher=OurKarnataka.Com|work=History of karnataka|accessdate=2006-12-31
*cite book |last= Narasimhacharya|first= R|title= History of Kannada Literature|origyear=1988|year=1988|publisher= Asian Educational Services|location= New Delhi, Madras|isbn= ISBN 81-206-0303-6
*cite book |last= Nilakanta Sastri|first= K.A.|title= A history of South India from prehistoric times to the fall of Vijayanagar|origyear=1955|year=2002|publisher= Indian Branch, Oxford University Press|location= New Delhi|isbn= 0-19-560686-8
*cite book |last= Doniger|first= Wendy|title= Purana Perennis: Reciprocity and Transformation in Hindu and Jain Texts |origyear=1993|year=1993|publisher=SUNY Press
location= |isbn=0791413810