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Questions and Answers
What is the ancestral language to modern Kannada believed to be?
What is the ancestral language to modern Kannada believed to be?
During which century did Old Kannada, also known as Shivaraja Karnataka, emerge?
During which century did Old Kannada, also known as Shivaraja Karnataka, emerge?
In which centuries did the transition from medieval Kannada to the current form take place?
In which centuries did the transition from medieval Kannada to the current form take place?
Which factor significantly influenced the structure of the Kannada language during the second half of the fourteenth century?
Which factor significantly influenced the structure of the Kannada language during the second half of the fourteenth century?
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What were some of the earliest works in Kannada primarily focused on?
What were some of the earliest works in Kannada primarily focused on?
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Which genre emerged from the early religious texts in Kannada?
Which genre emerged from the early religious texts in Kannada?
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What cultural elements influenced the evolution of Kannada language?
What cultural elements influenced the evolution of Kannada language?
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During which centuries were popular plays written in Kannada?
During which centuries were popular plays written in Kannada?
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Where is Kannada widely spoken within India?
Where is Kannada widely spoken within India?
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Which of the following is NOT a modern use of Kannada language?
Which of the following is NOT a modern use of Kannada language?
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What functions does Kannada language perform in modern society?
What functions does Kannada language perform in modern society?
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In what ways does Kannada language inform the masses about legal matters and government policies?
In what ways does Kannada language inform the masses about legal matters and government policies?
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Study Notes
Kannada Language History
The Kannada language has a rich linguistic heritage that stretches back into ancient times. It is part of the Dravidian family of languages, which means it shares close ties with other South Asian tongues such as Tamil and Malayalam. Here's a brief overview of how the Kannada language came to be:
Origin and Early Development
Researchers believe that the ancestral language to modern Kannada was Prakrit, coming from around the first century CE. This transitioned into Old Kannada by the third century, which is also known as Shivaraja Karnataka. By the fifth century, this evolved further into medieval Kannada until it reached its current form during the reign of Hoysala kings between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. During the second half of the fourteenth century, Kannada underwent considerable change due to influences from Sanskritization, which made a significant impact on the structure of the Kannada language.
Literature and Scripture
In terms of literature, the earliest works were mainly religious texts in collections called Puranas and Mahapuranas. These included writings like the Skanda Purana, Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, etc., dating back to 487 ACE. Later, Kannada poetry emerged out of these early documents. Thereafter, the language became more diverse, featuring genres including lyrics, classic songs, narratives, lore, chronicles, prose, philosophy, and grammar books.
Cultural Influences
Aside from literary contributions, Kannada culture played a critical role in the development of the language. From theater performances to temple architecture, various aspects influenced the evolution of Kannada. For instance, there were popular plays written throughout the 9th through 16th centuries; later, dance dramas began to appear among the people around the 17th century. Other cultural elements integrated over time were mathematics, astronomy, and astrology.
Modern Use and Expansion
Today, Kannada is spoken widely across regions within India called Karnataka, Goa, Laccadive Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and many parts of Tamil Nadu. It serves as one of the official languages of India and performs multiple functions in administration, education, business transactions, politics, etc.. Additionally, Kannada is used extensively in print media, radio broadcasting, television programming, and film productions. Furthermore, it plays a vital role in informing the masses regarding legal matters and government policies through posters, billboards, leaflets, handbills, calendars, and so forth. With ongoing usage, Kannada continues to grow, evolve, and adopt new forms of expression.
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Description
Explore the rich history and development of the Kannada language from its origins in ancient times to its modern-day usage. Learn about its literary contributions, cultural influences, and widespread presence in various regions within India.
