Vijyanagar is considered to be the first Hindu empire of the medieval age. It was founded by two brothers Harihar and Bukka in 1336 CE. Persian traveller Abur Razzak wrote about Vijaynagar empire that Vijaynagar was one of the world’s most grand cities which he had seen or heard about.
Its cultural progress and development of literature can be understood as follows:
Cultural Progress – In the medival history of South India, the contribution of Vijaynagar empire in the cultural progress of the region is remarkable. On account of being under the rule of Hindu kings, this kingdom was a centre of Hindu religion and culture. The rulers gave special encouragement to Hindu religion and culture.
The credit for resurrection of Hindu religion in medieval times is given to the Vijaynagar rulers. These rulers encouraged literature, architecture, music and painting etc. They made Vijayanagar empire an excellent centre of cultural activities.
Development of Literature – Under the guidance of Sayana, a council of scholars wrote Bhashyas (commentaries) on all the four Vedas, many Brahminical tomes and Aranyakas. Under the patronage of Krishnadeva Rai, Ishwar Dixit wrote two commentaries on the epic ‘Hemkoot’. Agastya composed many poems and poetic works.
The greatest ruler of Vijayanagar, Krishnadeva Rai was a poet of superior calibre and a fine writer. He had scholarly knowledge of Sanskrit and Telugu languages. His Telugu creation was ‘Aamuka Malaydam’, which is one of the greatet epics of Telugu language. Krishnadeva Rai wrote a Sanskrit play ‘Jambavati Kalyanam.’
Alasani Peddan, Timman, Bhatiamurti, Haridas, Tenali Rama were among the important poets of this period. Among literary works, Rajnath’s ‘Saaluvabhiyuday’ and ‘Bhagwat – Champu’ are especially notable. Although the Vijaynagar rulers gave priority to Sanskrit and Telugu languages yet they gave patronage to poets of other languages too.
