Kavirajamarga
“Kavirajamarga” is one of the most important and earliest known works in Kannada literature, often regarded as the first comprehensive treatise on poetics in the Kannada language. It is an ancient text that significantly influenced the development of classical Kannada literature.
Kavirajamarga is a treatise on poetics, which lays out the rules and principles for composing poetry and other literary forms. It is an important early work in the tradition of Indian literary criticism, offering a unique perspective on language, art, and literature in the context of medieval India.
Kavirajamarga stands as a monumental text in the history of Kannada literature. It provides invaluable insights into the art of poetry, the role of poets, and the foundational principles of literature.
The author of “Kavirajamarga” is King Amoghavarsha I, also known as Nripatunga Amoghavarsha, who ruled the Rashtrakuta dynasty from 814 to 877 CE. Amoghavarsha was not only a ruler but also a renowned scholar and patron of literature, arts, and culture. He is often credited with contributing significantly to the development of Kannada as a literary language.
Reign: Amoghavarsha I ruled the Rashtrakuta dynasty, which was based in Malkhed (modern-day Malkhed, Karnataka). His reign is considered one of the golden periods in the history of the Rashtrakuta Empire, marked by cultural flourishing and scholarly achievements.
Contribution to Literature: Amoghavarsha was a great patron of Kannada literature and is believed to have composed many works in Kannada, including Kavirajamarga, the first known work of Kannada poetics.