Telugu poetry
Encyclopedia
Telugu poetry is verse originating in the southern provinces of India
, predominantly from modern Andhra Pradesh
and some corners of Tamilnadu and Karnataka
.
literature is 1000 years old http://www.ucpress.edu/books/pages/9151.html. Though there are references of the poems being casually recited by commoners in various books like Gadha Sapta Shati dated back to 100 A.D. Poetry from the language covers spiritual, mythological and secular writings. Earliest available poetry was found on the Epigraph
s and Victory Inscriptions. Lack of Available Ancient literature despite language being quite old is attributed to, Little support language received from the pre 1000 A.D. rulers. During the period of Patronage of Eastern Chalukya rulers in 1000 A.D language attained its present script, rich vocabulary and grammar rules. This standardization led to development in the quantity and quality of Literature of Telugu Language which was predominantly composed of poetry. This phase of development reached its zenith under the rule of Sri Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara Empire
. Modern Telugu poetry has seen English translations.
into Telugu by three great scholars Nannayya
, Tikkana
and Errana. These three scholars were reverently called as Kavitrayam
(trinity of poets). They completed the great epic in three parts by adopting styles and setting standards and thereby paving way for the future writers. However, despite the best efforts of the scholars of this era Telugu language used in the poetry included various words imported from Sanskrit
and was thus out of reach of the common man.
and Somanadha who concentrated on using more native words and styles like Dwipada to reach common man. Srinadha famous for his famous work Sringara Naishadam, Kasikhandam and Bhimakhandam. This era also saw most widely quoted Telugu poet Potana and his popular master piece Srimad Bhagavatam. Folk style rendering of poems was also initiated by Annamayya
during this period.
, Tenali Ramalinga Kavi, Dhurjati
. It is considered as the Golden Age for Telugu literature. Telugu Language received patronage of Vijayanagara Empire
. Most of the Masterpieces of Telugu Literature like Manu Charitra, Panduranga Mahatyam are written in this era.
who is famous for this Kala Purnodayam and Raghava Pandaveeyam and Bhattumurthy who wrote Prabhavati Pradyumnam and Narasa Bhoopaleeyam.
, who started a new style of poetry Avadhanam
and wrote Krishna Rayabaram and Devi Bhagavatam.
. SriSri's famous work "Maha Prastanam" is an instant hit with every corners of society. Many writers followed his style and continue to enrich the literature.
started as movement in the year 2008. The main aim of this movement is to bring awareness and concern among not only elite class but also masses about Environment through creative forms of literature. This is started by Jagruthi Kiran Foundation under the leadership of Narayanam Narasimha Murthy popularly known as "Vidyavachaspati" Prof Dr N N Murthy. This movement is going on with literary activities Harita Kavita, Harita Kata and many other activities. Lot of literature has been produced by various poets, writers on Environment. Magazines like Malle Teega, Kadhakeli are associated with Jagruthi Kiran Foundation in this movement. More than 500 poets, writers are involved in this movement.
, Vemana
, Ramadasu and Somanadha. Tyagaraja's Kritis and Muvva gopala Padalu cannot be missed in this list. Tyagaraja
Kriti's are considered most important compositions in Carnatic Music
.
Some famous satakams are listed below.
CP Brown Award
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, predominantly from modern Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
and some corners of Tamilnadu and Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
.
Origins
Earliest available Telugu languageTelugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
literature is 1000 years old http://www.ucpress.edu/books/pages/9151.html. Though there are references of the poems being casually recited by commoners in various books like Gadha Sapta Shati dated back to 100 A.D. Poetry from the language covers spiritual, mythological and secular writings. Earliest available poetry was found on the Epigraph
Epigraphy
Epigraphy Epigraphy Epigraphy (from the , literally "on-writing", is the study of inscriptions or epigraphs as writing; that is, the science of identifying the graphemes and of classifying their use as to cultural context and date, elucidating their meaning and assessing what conclusions can be...
s and Victory Inscriptions. Lack of Available Ancient literature despite language being quite old is attributed to, Little support language received from the pre 1000 A.D. rulers. During the period of Patronage of Eastern Chalukya rulers in 1000 A.D language attained its present script, rich vocabulary and grammar rules. This standardization led to development in the quantity and quality of Literature of Telugu Language which was predominantly composed of poetry. This phase of development reached its zenith under the rule of Sri Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara Empire
Vijayanagara Empire
The Vijayanagara Empire , referred as the Kingdom of Bisnaga by the Portuguese, was an empire based in South Indian in the Deccan Plateau region. It was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of the Yadava lineage. The empire rose to prominence as a culmination of attempts...
. Modern Telugu poetry has seen English translations.
Mahabharata era
This era saw the beginning of the Translation of Epic MahabharataMahabharata
The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India and Nepal, the other being the Ramayana. The epic is part of itihasa....
into Telugu by three great scholars Nannayya
Nannayya
Nannaya Bhattaraka is the earliest known Telugu author, and the author of the first third of the Andhra Mahabharatamu, a Telugu retelling of the Mahabharata. Nannaya is held in high regard as the person who revived the Telugu language...
, Tikkana
Tikkana
Tikkana was born into a family of Shaivite family during the Golden Age of the Kakatiya dynasty. He was the second poet of the "Trinity of Poets " that translated Mahabharatamu into Telugu over a period of centuries. Nannaya Bhattaraka was the first, though he translated only two and a half...
and Errana. These three scholars were reverently called as Kavitrayam
Kavitrayam
Kavitrayam is a Telugu expression for trinity of poets. Kavitrayam popularly refers to the poets who translated the great epic Mahabharata into Telugu. The trinity consists of Nannayya, Tikkana and Yerrapragada.-Nannayya:...
(trinity of poets). They completed the great epic in three parts by adopting styles and setting standards and thereby paving way for the future writers. However, despite the best efforts of the scholars of this era Telugu language used in the poetry included various words imported from Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
and was thus out of reach of the common man.
Pre Prabandha era
This includes various poets like Nanne ChodaNanne Choda
Nanne Choda was a famous Telugu poet and belongs to a family of Telugu Cholas. He holds the titles Tekanadityudu and Kaviraja Sikhamani. He is regarded as the first composer of Prabandha.-Biography:...
and Somanadha who concentrated on using more native words and styles like Dwipada to reach common man. Srinadha famous for his famous work Sringara Naishadam, Kasikhandam and Bhimakhandam. This era also saw most widely quoted Telugu poet Potana and his popular master piece Srimad Bhagavatam. Folk style rendering of poems was also initiated by Annamayya
Annamayya
Annamayya is a 1997 Tollywood film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao starring Akkineni Nagarjuna, Ramya Krishnan, Mohan Babu, and Roja. The music director is Keeravani...
during this period.
Prabandha era
This era includes writers like Allasani PeddanaAllasani Peddana
Allasani Peddana was a famous Telugu poet and was ranked as the foremost of the Astadiggajalu the title for the group of eight poets in the court of King Krishnadevaraya, a ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire.-Biography:...
, Tenali Ramalinga Kavi, Dhurjati
Dhurjati
Dhurjati was a Telugu poet in the court of the king Krishnadevaraya and was one of the astadiggajalu there.-Biography:...
. It is considered as the Golden Age for Telugu literature. Telugu Language received patronage of Vijayanagara Empire
Vijayanagara Empire
The Vijayanagara Empire , referred as the Kingdom of Bisnaga by the Portuguese, was an empire based in South Indian in the Deccan Plateau region. It was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of the Yadava lineage. The empire rose to prominence as a culmination of attempts...
. Most of the Masterpieces of Telugu Literature like Manu Charitra, Panduranga Mahatyam are written in this era.
Post Prabandha period
This era includes writers like Pingali SuranaPingali Surana
Pingali Surana was a Telugu poet and was one of the Astadiggajas in the court of the king Krishnadevaraya.-Early life:...
who is famous for this Kala Purnodayam and Raghava Pandaveeyam and Bhattumurthy who wrote Prabhavati Pradyumnam and Narasa Bhoopaleeyam.
Decline period
This era indicates degeneration of Literature standards. Poets struggled for patronage and concentrated on styles like chitra kavitvam and composing of erotic literature to please their patrons. Some patrons tried to preserve the traditions but on the whole it was a Dark age. However at the end of this period some light was seen at the end of tunnel in the form of Tirupati Venkata KavuluTirupati Venkata Kavulu
Tirupati Venkata Kavulu refers to the Telugu poet duo Divakarla Tirupati Sastry and Chellapilla Venkata Sastry . This twin poets are acclaimed as harbingers of modern poetry in Telugu. They have dramatized several of the Hindu epics into dramas and plays consisting of singable verses set to...
, who started a new style of poetry Avadhanam
Avadhanam
Avadhana is a literary performance popular from the very ancient days in India, cultivated by the Telugu speaking community. It involves the partial improvisation of poems using specific themes, metres, forms, or words....
and wrote Krishna Rayabaram and Devi Bhagavatam.
Modern period
This can be safely to be started with Gurajada Apparao, who changed the face of Telugu poetry with his revolutionary Muthayala Saralu only to be perfected by later writers in the Romanticism era Notably Rayaprolu and Devulapalli Krishna Sastri. Gurajada's attempt to reform Telugu poetry by shedding old rules and styles reached a zenith with Sri SriSri Sri
Sri Sri can stand for these:* Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founder of the Art of Living Foundation.* Srirangam Srinivasarao , popularly called Sri Sri, Telugu poet, and film lyricist....
. SriSri's famous work "Maha Prastanam" is an instant hit with every corners of society. Many writers followed his style and continue to enrich the literature.
Paryavaran Kavitodyamam
Paryavaran KavitodyamamParyavaran Kavitodyamam
There are many literary movements in Andhra Pradesh during pre independence period. These movements were mainly on Indian independence and freedom struggle. After independence, it has turned to social issues and disparities time to time. Feminism and Dalit rights were the issues in late 20th...
started as movement in the year 2008. The main aim of this movement is to bring awareness and concern among not only elite class but also masses about Environment through creative forms of literature. This is started by Jagruthi Kiran Foundation under the leadership of Narayanam Narasimha Murthy popularly known as "Vidyavachaspati" Prof Dr N N Murthy. This movement is going on with literary activities Harita Kavita, Harita Kata and many other activities. Lot of literature has been produced by various poets, writers on Environment. Magazines like Malle Teega, Kadhakeli are associated with Jagruthi Kiran Foundation in this movement. More than 500 poets, writers are involved in this movement.
Other forms
While the main stream poetry based on Rhythm, Meter is growing up Telugu literature also saw a rise in the folk-poetry. Most famous were Satakam, Dwipada and Padalu. These were mainly used by Bhakti Reformers to reach the common man and spread their ideas. Some notable writers are AnnamayyaAnnamayya
Annamayya is a 1997 Tollywood film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao starring Akkineni Nagarjuna, Ramya Krishnan, Mohan Babu, and Roja. The music director is Keeravani...
, Vemana
Vemana
Kumaragiri Vema Reddy popularly known as Vemana was a 14th century Telugu poet. His poems were written in the popular vernacular of Telugu, and are known for their use of simple language and native idioms. His poems discuss the subjects of Yoga, wisdom and morality...
, Ramadasu and Somanadha. Tyagaraja's Kritis and Muvva gopala Padalu cannot be missed in this list. Tyagaraja
Tyagaraja
Kakarla Tyagabrahmam , colloquially known as Tyāgarājar and Tyagayya was one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music or classical South Indian music. He, along with his contemporaries Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Shastry, forms the Trinity of Carnatic music...
Kriti's are considered most important compositions in Carnatic Music
Carnatic music
Carnatic music is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, with its area roughly confined to four modern states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu...
.
Some famous satakams are listed below.
- Vemana Satakam
- Sumathi SatakamSumathi SatakamSumati Shatakam is one of the most famous Telugu Shatakam. It is a neeti Shatakam.-Shataka Kharta:shatakam is composed of more than a 100 poems'....
- Sri Kalahastiswara Satakam
- Dasarathi SatakamDasarathi SatakamDasarathi Satakam is a Telugu Bhakti Satakam, a popular form of Telugu poetry. It was written by Kancharla Gopanna during 17th century. It consists of 104 poems. Dasarathi means son of Dasaratha, who is the mythological Hindu king Rama...
- Bhaskara Satakam
- Kumara Satakam
- Narasimha SatakamNarasimha SatakamNarasimha Satakam is a compilation of 100 poems by Seshappa.They are primary based on devotion and morality and set in simple language.Compilation of this complete work is in Telugu Wikisource.-Further reading:*1....
- Sarveswara SatakamSarveswara SatakamSarveswara Satakam is Shaiva Bhakti Satakam, a collection of Telugu poems written by Yathavakkula Annamayya. He dedicated it to Lord Mallikarjuna of Srisailam....
- Kumara Satakam
- Kumari Satakam
- Andhra Nayaka Satakam
- Sri Kishna Satakam
- Bharthruhari Neethi Satakam
- Bharthruhari Vyragya Satakam
- Bharthruhari Srungara Satakam
- Daksharama Bhimeswara Sathakam
Awards
Ismail Award- Given every Year for the first book of the poet, established in 2005.
CP Brown Award
- Given Every year for Translations and the people who has worked for Telugu literary activities