All About Dravidian Literature

Introduction

Dravidian literature encompasses the literary traditions of the Dravidian-speaking regions of South India, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. Dating back over two millennia, Dravidian literature boasts a rich and diverse corpus of poetry, prose, and drama.

Tamil Literature

• Early classical Tamil literature is called Sangam literature. The Sangam classics comprise 18 works (eight anthologies of lyrics and ten long poems) written by 473 poets, 30 of whom were women. 
• Sangam literature mainly has two schools of poets:
  • Aham is subjective love poetry dealing with the subjective emotions of the lover.
  • Puram is objective and public poetry dealing with all kinds of emotions, mainly the valour and glory of kings and about good and evil. 

• The Sangam literature is broadly categorized into two groups: 
  • Narrative  
  • Didactic

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• The Sangam literary of Dravidian Literature collection encompasses several essential works, including Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu, Pathinenkilkanakku, and epics, namely Silappathigaram and Manimegalai. 

Malayalam Literature

• Ezhuthachan, a proponent of the Bhakti movement, is the father of Malayalam literature.
• Kokasandisan is a significant work in Malayalam and Dravidian Literature.
• Bhasa Kautilya is a commentary on the ancient Indian treatise on statecraft and economics, the Arthashastra.
• Ramacharitam was composed by the ancient Malayalam poet Cheeraman in the 13th Century. The poem narrates the story of Lord Rama and his adventures.

Telugu Literature

• Nannaya (11th century) was considered the first poet in Telugu. However, Telugu literature reached its zenith during the Vijayanagara period.

Some Major Works In Telugu Literature

• Uttaraharivamsam: It was written by King Bukka I’s famous court poet, Nachana Somanatha.
• Manu Charitra: It was written by Allasani Peddana (also known as Andhra Kavita Pitamahudu).
• Parijatapaharanam: It was written by Nandi Thimmana.
• Panduranga Mahatmayam: It was written by Tenali Ramakrishna (a court jester and poet who was said to have a close association with the king Krishna Devaraya).
• Vasucharitra and Narasabhupaleeyamu: It was written by Ramaraja Bhushanudu (also known as Bhattumurti).
• Nalopakhyanam: It was written by Harishchandra.
• Rajasekhara Charitra: It was written by Madayyagari Mallana. The text narrates the love and war of King Rajasekara of the Avanti kingdom.
• Ramabhudayamu: It was written by Ayyalaraju Ramabhadrudu

Kannada Literature

• The Jain scholars played a major role in Kannada literature. 

Some Major works in Kannada literature

• Dharmanath Purana: It was written by Madhava on the life of the fifteenth Tirthankara. 
• Dharma Parikshe: Uritta Vilasa wrote it on the Jain teachings.
• Kavirajamarga: It was written by Nripatunga Amoghavarsha I, a powerful Rashtrakuta king. 
• Harishchandra Kavya and  Somanatha Charita: These were written by Harishvara.
• Harivamshabhyudaya and Jiva Sambodhana: These were written by Bandhuvarma. 
• Jagannatha Vijaya: It was written by Rudra Bhata.
• Madana Vijaya or Kabbïgara Kava: It was written by Andayya. The text was celebrated as it was the first pure Kannada text that did not have any Sanskrit words.
• Shabdamanidarpana: It is a grammar book composed by Kesirja.
• Sukti Sudha Trnava: It is a collection of poems written by Mallikarjuna.
• Torave Ramayana: It was composed by Narahari and written entirely in Kannada. It was the first story on Rama inspired by the Valmiki Ramayana.
• Jaimini Bharata: It was written by Lakshamisha and it is also called the Kamata-Karicutavana-Chaitra (the spring of the Karnataka mango grove).
• Hadibadeya Dharma (Duty of a devout wife): It was written by Honnamma (a female Kannada poet).

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Conclusion

• Dravidian literature stands as a testament to the cultural, linguistic, and artistic heritage of South India. 
  • Through its poetry, drama, and prose, Dravidian Literature illuminates the nuances of Dravidian civilization, offering insights into the region’s history, society, and worldview.