GS1 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Vijayanagara Empire | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss. (UPSC GS 1 Mains)

• Historians consider Krishnadevaraya as the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara kingdom.His greatest achievement is of the broad tolerance that existed during his rule in his empire. 
• His reign marked a new era in Telugu literature when imitation of Sanskrit works gave way to independent works. 
• His rule was an age of prolific literature in many languages ,although it is also known as a golden age of Telugu literature. 
• He was a gifted scholar of Telugu and Sanskrit and wrote many works in these languages. 
• Sanskrit plays "JambavatiKalyanam", "Ushaparinayam", Madalasacharitha, Rasamanjari, Satyavaduparinaya and a Telugu poem "Amuktamalyada" were written by him. This work beautifully subscribed the agony of separation suffered by Sri Andal for her lover Lord Vishnu. 
• He was fluent in many languages including his mother tongue "Tulu". 
• He extended his patronage to Telugu,Kannada and Tamil poets alike. 
• He patronised many famous posts like Haridasu, Nanditimmana, Kannada poet mallanaraya etc. 
• His court BhuvanaVijayamu was adorned by eight literary giants called as "Astadiggajas". The most celebrated of them were Allasanipeddana (father of Telugu poetry), Dhurjati, Tenali Ramakrishna. 
• His munificence for scholars earned for him the title "Andhra Bhoja".

Topics covered -  The Vijayanagara Empire