GS1 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Vijayanagar Empire

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)

Ans:

• Historians consider Krishnadevaraya the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara kingdom; a notable feature of his rule was the broad tolerance that characterised the empire during his reign.
• His reign ushered in a new phase in Telugu literature when mere imitation of Sanskrit models gave way to original and independent compositions in Telugu.
• The period witnessed prolific literary activity in several languages, though it is most widely recognised as the golden age of Telugu literature.
• Krishnadevaraya himself was a learned scholar in both Telugu and Sanskrit and actively engaged in literary composition.
• Among his Sanskrit works are plays and compositions such as "JambavatiKalyanam", "Ushaparinayam", "Madalasacharitha", "Rasamanjari" and "Satyavaduparinaya"; in Telugu he authored the celebrated poem "Amuktamalyada".
• "Amuktamalyada" vividly expresses the anguish of separation experienced by the poet-saint Sri Andal for her divine lover, Lord Vishnu, and stands out for its devotional intensity and poetic merit.
• He was fluent in several languages, including his mother tongue Tulu, and his linguistic ability helped him appreciate and patronise diverse literary traditions.
• Krishnadevaraya extended his patronage across linguistic lines - supporting Telugu, Kannada and Tamil poets alike - thus fostering a plural literary culture.
• He patronised many notable poets such as Haridasu, Nanditimmana and the Kannada poet Mallanarya; his court, celebrated in the work BhuvanaVijayamu, was graced by eight eminent poets known as the Astadiggajas. The most celebrated among them included Allasanipeddana, Dhurjati and Tenali Ramakrishna.
• For his generous support to scholars and for promoting literature, he earned the honourary title Andhra Bhoja, reflecting his lasting legacy as both a creator and a patron of letters.
• In sum, Krishnadevaraya combined personal scholarship with systematic patronage, creating a cosmopolitan and intellectually vibrant court that strengthened the cultural foundations of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Topics covered -  The Vijayanagara Empire