Srivijaya Kavirajamargam: The Way of the King of Poets

The Kavirajamargam, composed in the ninth century by Srivijaya, is a significant work of early Kannada literature that defines and illustrates poetic ornaments, elucidates grammar and prosody, and provides insights into the region's history, geography, and aesthetic tastes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2024
Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors

The Kavirajamargam, the first extant work of early Kannada, was composed in the ninth century by poet-scholar Srivijaya in the court of King Nrpatunga of Manyakheta. This masterpiece beautifully defines and illustrates poetic ornaments of sound and sense (alankaras), elucidates important features of early Kannada grammar and prosody, and provides us with a fascinating glimpse into the early history, geography, and aesthetic tastes of the Kannada region and its people.

The Kavirajamargam is a significant work that has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of Karnataka. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region and its people. The Kavirajamargam is divided into three parts: the first part deals with the nature of poetry, the second part with the alankaras, and the third part with the grammar and prosody of Kannada.

The Kavirajamargam begins with a discussion of the nature of poetry. It defines poetry as a form of expression that uses words to convey emotions, ideas, and experiences. It emphasizes the importance of using language effectively to create a powerful and meaningful impact on the reader. The Kavirajamargam also discusses the various types of poetry, including kavya, vachana, and padya. Kavya is a form of poetry that is characterized by its elaborate and ornate language, while vachana is a form of poetry that is characterized by its simplicity and directness. Padya is a form of poetry that is characterized by its narrative and descriptive nature.

The Kavirajamargam then moves on to discuss the alankaras. Alankaras are poetic ornaments that are used to enhance the beauty and appeal of a poem. They include such elements as metaphors, similes, and alliteration. The Kavirajamargam provides a detailed explanation of each alankara and its significance in the context of Kannada poetry.

The third part of the Kavirajamargam deals with the grammar and prosody of Kannada. It discusses the various rules and conventions of Kannada grammar and prosody, including the use of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. It also provides examples of how these rules and conventions are used in Kannada poetry.

One of the most significant features of the Kavirajamargam is its emphasis on the importance of language. The Kavirajamargam emphasizes the importance of using language effectively to convey emotions, ideas, and experiences. It encourages poets to use language in a way that is both beautiful and meaningful. The Kavirajamargam also emphasizes the importance of preserving the purity of Kannada language.

The Kavirajamargam has had a significant impact on the literary landscape of Karnataka. It has inspired many poets and writers to create their own works of poetry. It has also been used as a teaching tool in schools and colleges to teach Kannada language and literature.

In conclusion, the Kavirajamargam is a significant work that has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of Karnataka. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region and its people. The Kavirajamargam is divided into three parts: the first part deals with the nature of poetry, the second part with the alankaras, and the third part with the grammar and prosody of Kannada. The Kavirajamargam emphasizes the importance of language, the importance of preserving the purity of Kannada language, and the importance of using language effectively to convey emotions, ideas, and experiences.

Dimension: 254 x 203 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789350981764