Model Question and Answers for APSC | Krishnadeva Raya, the king of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.

Ans: Krishnadevaraya of the Tuluva dynasty ruled ancient India’s Vijayanagara Empire for only about two decades, however, his power, skills, and personality were made known in that short amount of time and so it seemed much longer. His artistic and architectural interests withstood the passing of time and influenced others. He was bestowed with various titles such as Andhra Bhoja, Moory Rayara Ganda, and Kannada Rajya Rama Ramana.

Accomplished scholar:

• He wrote a drama in Sanskrit ‘Jambavati Kalyana’ and maintained a personal diary written in Kannada ‘ Krishnadevaraya DInachari’. He also wrote Amukta Malyada (in Telugu).
• Apart from Jamabavati Kalyana written in Sanskrit, his works include – Madalasa Charita, Rasamanjari and Satyavadu Parinaya.

A great patron of learning and literature:

1. Krishnadevaraya was also a patron of the arts, especially The emperor is known to have been a patron to poets of various languages, including Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada.
2. It was, however, the Telugu language that prospered most under his reign, and this period came to be known as the ‘golden age of Telugu literature.
3. Krishnadevaraya also patronised poets and scholars with expertise ranging from maths to literature. Ashtadiggajas or Eight poets are known to be a part of his court. These poets include Allasani Peddana, Pingali Surana and Tenali Ramakrishna
4. Krishnadevaraya also patronized Tamil poet Haridasa.
5. He also encouraged women to take up writing. Some of the famous works by women include the Varadambika Parinaya by Tirumalamba Devi in Sanskrit and Madhurvijayam written by Ganaga Devi which describes the conquest of the Madurai Sultanate.

Krishnadevaraya was thus a great patron of learning and literature and hence was called Andhra Bhoja.

Additional material: Patron of Art

Krishnadevaraya was also a prolific builder, as attested by the many temples built during his reign. Temples attributed to this emperor include the Hazara Rama Temple, and the Vittalaswami Temple, both of which are located in the empire’s capital.

Apart from building temples, the emperor also made generous donations to them. For instance, a jewel-studded golden sword and diamond-encrusted crowns were donated to the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. Additionally, a new city, Nagalapuram, was built by Krishnadevaraya in honour of his mother.

He also encouraged classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi