Introduction
The Western Chalukya Dynasty (10th–12th
centuries), also known as the Kalyani
Chalukyas, presided over one of the most vibrant periods of literary
activity in South India. Their reign marked a golden age for Kannada and Sanskrit literature, with
Jain scholars, Virashaiva poets, Brahmin writers, and Sanskrit intellectuals
producing works of enduring significance. This era not only enriched devotional
and epic traditions but also expanded into secular subjects such as medicine,
mathematics, lexicons, and encyclopedias.
Kannada Literature
Kannada Literature
flourished under royal patronage, particularly during the reigns of Tailapa II, Satyasraya, and Jagadhekamalla II.
- Vachana Literature: Virashaiva mystics like Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi, and Allama
Prabhu composed Vachanas,
short devotional poems that expressed spiritual intimacy with God in
simple, accessible language. Over 200 Vachanakaras, including thirty women
poets, are recorded, making this one of the most inclusive literary
movements of its time.
- Ranna: Patronized by Tailapa II
and Satyasraya, Ranna is celebrated as one of the “three gems of Kannada
literature.” He was honored with the title Kavi Chakravarthi (“Emperor among poets”). His Saahasabheema Vijayam (Gada Yuddha)
(982) in Champu style is a panegyric comparing King Satyasraya to Bhima,
narrating the famous duel between Bhima and Duryodhana. His Ajitanatha Purana Tilakam (993)
recounts the life of the second Jain Tirthankara, Ajitanatha.
- Nagavarma II: Serving as poet laureate (Katakacharya) of King
Jagadhekamalla II, Nagavarma II made lasting contributions in poetics,
grammar, and lexicons. His Kavyavalokana
(poetics), Karnataka-Bhashabhushana
(grammar), and Vastukosa
(lexicon with Kannada equivalents for Sanskrit words) remain authoritative
texts in Kannada studies.
- Other Contributors: Inscriptions mention Bahurupi Chaudayya, a Vachanakara
known for his dramatic recitations, and Mokari Baramayya, described as a “Brahma of all arts” for his
mastery in singing, dancing, and musical instruments.
Sanskrit Literature
Sanskrit
continued to thrive alongside Kannada, with significant contributions in epic
poetry, encyclopedias, law, and music.
- Bilhana’s Vikramankadeva
Charita:
This Mahakavya in 18
cantos, composed by Kashmiri poet Bilhana, narrates the life and
achievements of King Vikramaditya VI, including his accession to
the throne after defeating his brother Somesvara II.
- Somesvara III’s Manasollasa
(Abhilashitartha Chintamani): Written in 1129, this encyclopedic Sanskrit
text covers diverse subjects such as medicine, veterinary science,
gemology, fortifications, painting, music, games, and amusements. It is
considered one of the earliest encyclopedias in India and even contains
the first recorded Marathi song, praising Buddha avatar.
- Vijnaneshwara’s Mitakshara: A landmark in legal
literature, Mitakshara is
a commentary on Yajnavalkya Smriti. It became the most influential text on
Hindu law, shaping inheritance practices across India. Later translated
into English by Colebrooke, it gained currency in British Indian courts.
- Musical Treatises: Works such as Sangita Chudamani, Sangita Samayasara, and Sangita Ratnakara enriched the
study of music and instruments, highlighting the dynasty’s patronage of
fine arts.
Secular Literature
Beyond
devotional and epic traditions, the Western Chalukya era saw the rise of
secular Kannada works on subjects like romance, erotics, medicine, astrology,
and encyclopedias. Examples include Karnataka-Kadambari
(romance), Karnataka-Kalyanakaraka
(medicine), Jatakatilaka
(astrology), Madanakatilaka
(erotics), and Lokaparaka
(encyclopedia). These works demonstrate the intellectual diversity of the
period.
Conclusion
The Western Chalukya Dynasty nurtured a
literary renaissance that elevated both Kannada and Sanskrit to new heights.
From Ranna’s heroic epics and Nagavarma II’s scholarly treatises to Bilhana’s
Sanskrit Mahakavya and Somesvara III’s encyclopedic Manasollasa, this era produced masterpieces that shaped the
cultural and intellectual Heritage of Karnataka
and India. The blend of devotional Vachanas, epic poetry, legal texts, and
secular writings makes the Western Chalukya period a cornerstone in the history
of Indian literature.