Poets in the Age of Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra and Their Works

The Hoysala period, particularly during their reign from the 11th to 14th centuries, was a golden era for Kannada literature. The patronage of the Hoysala kings led to a flourishing of literary activity, with many poets creating enduring works that are celebrated to this day. Here are some of the most notable poets from the Hoysala period and their contributions:

1. Ranna (c. 949–1012)

Works: Although Ranna began his literary career under the Western Chalukyas, his works gained prominence during the early Hoysala period. His major works include:
- “Sahasa Bhima Vijaya”: Also known as “Gadayuddha”, it narrates the epic battle between Bhima and Duryodhana from the Mahabharata.
- “Ajitha Purana”: A Jain religious text detailing the life of the second Tirthankara, Ajithanatha.

2. Nagachandra (12th century)

Works: A Jain poet, Nagachandra is renowned for his literary contributions that blend religious and epic themes.
- “Ramachandra Charitapurana”: Also known as “Pampa Ramayana”, it is a Jain retelling of the Ramayana, emphasizing non-violence and Jain philosophy.
- “Mallinatha Purana”: A work detailing the life of the 19th Jain Tirthankara, Mallinatha.

3. Janna (13th century)

Works: Janna is one of the most celebrated poets of the Hoysala period, known for his sophisticated literary style.
- “Yashodhara Charite”: A poetic work that narrates the story of a Jain prince, Yashodhara, known for his virtues and moral dilemmas.
- “Anantha Natha Purana”: A work on the 14th Jain Tirthankara, Anantha Natha.

4. Harihara (c. 1165–1245)

Works: Harihara is known for his contributions to Kannada literature and his unique style called “Ragale”.
- “Girija Kalyana”: A poetic work that describes the marriage of Parvati (Girija) and Shiva.
- “Nambiya Nayana”: A collection of poems dedicated to his mentor.

5. Raghavanka (12th-13th century)

Works: A disciple of Harihara, Raghavanka is known for his “Shatpadi” (six-line verse) compositions.
- “Harishchandra Kavya”: A narrative poem that tells the story of King Harishchandra, renowned for his unwavering truthfulness and integrity.
- “Siddharama Charitra”: The life story of the saint Siddharama, showcasing his devotion and miracles.

6. Rudrabhatta (12th century)

Works: Rudrabhatta was a poet in the court of Veera Ballala II.
- “Jagannatha Vijaya”: A Sanskrit epic poem that extolls the victories and virtues of King Jagannatha.

7. Andayya (13th century)

Works: Known for his unique contributions to Kannada literature and his opposition to the use of Sanskrit words.
- “Kabbigara Kava”: Also known as “Madana Vijaya”, it is a work that stands out for its pure Kannada vocabulary, avoiding Sanskrit words entirely.

8. Keshiraja (13th century)

Works: Renowned for his work on Kannada grammar.
- “Shabdamanidarpana”: A comprehensive treatise on Kannada grammar that remains influential in the study of the language.

Conclusion

The Hoysala period was marked by a vibrant literary culture, with poets producing a range of works that spanned epic narratives, religious texts, and grammatical treatises. The patronage of Hoysala rulers like Vishnuvardhana and Veera Ballala II played a significant role in fostering this literary renaissance. These poets not only enriched Kannada literature but also contributed to the cultural and intellectual heritage of South India. Their works, characterized by linguistic elegance and thematic depth, continue to be celebrated and studied for their literary and historical significance.

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Poets in the Age of Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra and Their Works