Kannada Language and Literature Quiz

Kannada

Overview

Kannada is one of the classical languages of India with its own scriptures, literature, and traditions associated with the temple and sacred groves. It was recognized as a classical language by the Government of India on February 20, 2008, based on the criteria laid down by UNESCO. Known as the 'language of the gods,' it has a unique cultural identity and is considered the third most widely spoken language in South India after Telugu and Tamil.

Origin and Development

The Kannada language is believed to have originated from the ancient Tamil-Brahmi script around 1,500 years before Christ. It evolved from a common stock from which Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada languages developed. The first Kannada inscription in the Kannada language script was found in the village of Koppam, in the Taluk of Hassan, Karnataka.

Script

The Kannada script is a Brahmic script that has been in use for over 1,600 years. The Kannada script is the oldest script of the Dravidian family that is still in use. It is an abugida, which means that it represents syllables rather than individual sounds. The script is relatively easy to learn and has a unique set of characters called 'Mahakavi,' which allows users to type using the left hand only.

Dialects

There are several dialects of Kannada, including Udupi, Gangavati, Raichur, Shimoga, Mysore, and Coorg. These dialects have varying degrees of similarity to standard Kannada, with some being more distinct from it. Each region where these dialects are found has its own distinct culture.

Distribution

The primary regions where Kannada is spoken are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There are also significant populations of Kannadigas living in various parts of India and abroad who speak the language.

Literature

Kannada literature has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Some of the notable works in Kannada literature include the ancient works like Agni Puranam and Ramayana, the medieval classics like the Vijaya Pancha Kavyas and Champu Kavyas, and modern works such as *Bugga, Kumbara Vittalu, Magane Ellide Magane, Odeya Sowbhagya, Malaprabha, Amma, Nanna Baliyalli, Rekhe Kathe, Kaadu Chodiyaga, and Huttidavaru.

Influence

Kannada has influenced other Indian languages through its literature and music. For example, the Kannada poet Jayadeva's work Gita Govinda has been translated into many languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Oriya, Assamese, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Urdu. The influence of Kannada can also be seen in its contributions to South Indian cinema, particularly in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.