10 Questions
What is the department of Kannada Literature Studies at Kannada University dedicated to?
Promoting and preserving the language and its literary heritage
How is Kannada literature described in the text?
Influenced by various cultural movements
What role does Kannada literature play in Indian culture and history according to the text?
A vibrant and essential part of Indian culture and history
What is the current state of Kannada literature, as mentioned in the text?
Continues to thrive with numerous contemporary writers and poets
Which language family does Kannada belong to?
Dravidian
In which century did Kannada literature begin?
9th century CE
Which script is Kannada closely related to?
Telugu script
Which historical movements influenced the Kannada language?
Lingayat (Virasaiva) movement and Haridasa movement
When was classical-language status granted to Kannada by the government of India?
2008
Who authored the earliest extant grammar of Kannada?
Nagavarma
Study Notes
Kannada: A Rich History and Cultural Heritage
Kannada, a member of the Dravidian language family, is the official language of the state of Karnataka in southern India and is also spoken in the neighboring states. With a literary tradition dating back centuries, Kannada has played a significant role in the cultural and intellectual history of the region.
Origins and Development
The Kannada script evolved from southern varieties of the Ashokan Brahmi script and is closely related to the Telugu script. The language has been influenced by various historical movements, such as the Lingayat (Virasaiva) and the Haridasa movements. Kannada literature began with the Kavirajamarga of Nripatunga in the 9th century CE and was followed by works in the 16th century, such as the Haridasa movement of vernacular devotional song.
Classical Language Status
In 2008, the government of India granted Kannada classical-language status, recognizing it as the second oldest of the four major Dravidian languages.
Kannada Literature
Kannada literature covers a wide range of topics, including mathematics, medicine, science of horses and elephants, architecture, geography, and hydrology. The earliest extant grammar is by Nagavarma, dating to the early 12th century, and the grammar of Keshiraja (1260 CE) is still respected. Kannada literature has been influenced by various cultural movements and has a rich history of cultural exchange with other regions in India and beyond.
Modern Kannada Literature
Today, Kannada literature continues to thrive, with numerous contemporary writers and poets contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the language. The department of Kannada Literature Studies at Kannada University is dedicated to promoting and preserving the language and its literary heritage.
In conclusion, Kannada is a language with a rich history and cultural heritage, having played a significant role in the intellectual and cultural development of the region. With a long tradition of literature and a strong focus on preserving its cultural roots, Kannada continues to be a vibrant and essential part of Indian culture and history.
Test your knowledge about the rich history, classical language status, literature, and cultural significance of the Kannada language. Explore the origins, development, classical language status, ancient and modern literature, and the impact of Kannada on Indian culture and history.
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