Introduction
Krishnadeva Raya, the illustrious ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1509 to 1529, was a significant patron of the arts and literature. His reign marked a golden age for Telugu literature, making it the language that benefited the most during his time.
Patronage of Telugu Literature
- Promotion of Telugu: Krishnadeva Raya actively promoted Telugu as a literary language, which was previously overshadowed by Sanskrit and Tamil.
- Literary Figures: He surrounded himself with notable poets and scholars, known as the "Ashtadiggajas," who were instrumental in enriching Telugu literature.
- Cultural Renaissance: Under his patronage, there was a flourishing of works in poetry, prose, and drama, aimed at both religious and secular themes.
Key Contributions
- Epic Works: The most famous Telugu literary work during his reign is "Amukta Malyada," a poetic masterpiece by the poet Nandi Thimmana, reflecting the cultural ethos of the time.
- Influence on Society: The encouragement of Telugu literature led to its widespread acceptance and use, which helped shape the cultural identity of the Telugu-speaking populace.
Comparison with Other Languages
- Sanskrit: While Sanskrit continued to be respected and used for scholarly purposes, it did not receive the same level of promotion for literary works as Telugu did during this period.
- Tamil and Kannada: Although these languages had their own rich traditions, they did not experience the same level of royal patronage and literary output as Telugu did under Krishnadeva Raya.
Conclusion
In summary, Krishnadeva Raya's patronage significantly transformed Telugu into a prominent literary language, fostering a cultural renaissance that shaped its future. This makes option 'C', Telugu, the correct answer regarding which language benefited the most from his support.