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The history of Kannada

The history of Kannada, one of the oldest Dravidian languages, is as fascinating as the language itself. As the official language of Karnataka, spoken by over 50 million people as of 2024, Kannada boasts a lineage that extends over two millennia. Its evolution is characterized by distinct phases that showcase the cultural richness and literary accomplishments of its speakers.

Long before written records emerged, Kannada and other Dravidian languages thrived in oral traditions. Although the rock inscriptions of Ashoka were composed in Prakrit, Kannada was the spoken language in those regions. The Ashoka edict discovered at Brahmagiri, dating back to 250 BC, is believed to contain identifiable Kannada words, such as "Isila", meaning “to throw, viz. an arrow, etc”. The oldest full-length stone inscription or epigraph in Kannada, known as a śilāśāsana, dates to the 5th century AD and was found in the Halmidi inscriptions from the Kadamba Dynasty. This inscription, written in Brahmi script, provides valuable insights into the language's grammatical structure and historical development. Additionally, Kannada epigraphs found in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat reflect the language's influence over time, particularly during the reign of powerful Kannada empires. The earliest coins and copper plates inscribed in Old Kannada date back to the 5th century AD and early 8th century AD, respectively. The oldest surviving palm leaf manuscript in Old Kannada is from around the 9th century, while the earliest known example of Kannada poetry in Tripadi metre is "Kappe Arabhatta", inscribed on a cliff face during the 7th century AD.

During the medieval period often referred to as the classical age of Kannada literature, Kannada language flourished under the patronage of various dynasties. This era produced significant works like "Kavirajamarga," a treatise on rhetoric and poetics attributed to King Amoghavarsha I. Several earlier Kannada works mentioned in "Kavirajamarga" have yet to be located. Adikavi Pampa, regarded as one of the greatest Kannada poets and part of the "ratnatrayaru," pioneered a unique style known as “Champu” in his classical works, including "Vikramarjuna Vijaya" (Pampa Bharata) and "Adipurana," around 940 CE. This style, which blends prose with poetry, thus owes its origins to the Kannada language which was later incorporated by poets into Sanskrit and other Indian languages.

Jain scholars made significant contributions during this time, with notable works like "Vaddaradhane" by Shivakotiacharya, which elaborates on the life of Bhadrabahu of Shravanabelagola. Poets such as Janna, Harihara, and Raghavanka introduced new forms of composition, including Ragale (a form of blank verse) and metrical patterns such as Sangatya and Shatpadi. In 1235 AD, Jain poet Andayya composed "Kabbigara Kava" (Poet's Defender), also known as "Sobagina Suggi" (Harvest of Beauty) or "Kavana-Gella" (Cupid's Conquest), a Champu work written entirely in Kannada using native words and derived Sanskrit forms - without incorporating direct Sanskrit. His success disproved claims that writing in Kannada without Sanskrit was impossible. Thus, Kannada stands out as the only Dravidian language capable of both utilizing indigenous vocabulary and grammar (like Tamil) and adopting Sanskrit grammar and vocabulary (like Telugu, Malayalam, and Tulu).

The 12th century marked the emergence of the Vachana movement, a crucial phase in Kannada history. Led by social reformers like Basavanna, along with contemporaries Akka Mahadevi and Allama Prabhu, this movement promoted social equality and spiritual enlightenment through simple yet profound prose-poems called Vachanas. These works made Kannada literature more accessible to the masses, laying the foundation for a more inclusive society.

During the Vijayanagara Empire (14th to 17th centuries), Kannada literature thrived under royal patronage, producing epic narratives, historical accounts, and devotional works that enriched the literary landscape. Kumara Vyasa, who authored the "Karṇāṭa Bhārata Kathāman̄jari," a remarkable adaptation of the first ten books of the Mahabharata, was one of the most influential Kannada writers of this period. This era also witnessed the rise of Haridasa Sahitya (Dasa literature), which contributed richly to Bhakti literature and laid the groundwork for Carnatic music. Prominent figures like Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa created devotional poetry during this time, with Purandaradasa often regarded as the Father of Carnatic music.

The modern era of Kannada began in the 19th century, influenced by colonial education and the advent of the printing press. Notably, Ferdinand Kittel published the first Kannada-English dictionary in 1894. As the 20th century approached, B. M. Srikantaiah ('B. M. Sri'), recognized by some as the "Father of modern Kannada literature," championed the creation of original works in contemporary Kannada. Writers such as Masti Venkatesha Iyengar, T. P. Kailasam, D. R. Bendre, Gopalakrishna Adiga, K. V. Puttappa (Kuvempu), Shivarama Karanth, V. K. Gokak, D. V. Gundappa ('DVG'), and others blended the mystical poetry of the Vachanas and medieval Kirthanas with influences from modern English romanticism, emerging as acclaimed lyricists and novelists.

Significant female writers of this period included Tirumalamba, the first woman novelist; Anasuya Shankar, known as Triveni; Vani; and M. K. Indira, who addressed women's issues in their works. For a brief time, a simplified form of fiction literature called Pragatishila (progressive), aimed at the common man, gained popularity, with pioneers like A. N. Krishna Rao ('Aa Na Kru') and later authors like S. L. Bhyrappa, Poornachandra Tejaswi, and Devanur Mahadeva. The Navya (modernist) era emerged with V. K. Gokak and was furthered by G. S. Shivarudrappa, Gopalakrishna Adiga, K. S. Nissar Ahmed, Chandrashekhara Kambar, Chandrashekar Patil, P. Lankesh, U. R. Ananthamurthy, and Girish Karnad.

Kannada literature has garnered eight Jnanpith awards, the second highest number awarded to any Indian language after Hindi. The Jnanpith awards, the oldest and most prestigious Indian literary awards, are presented annually by the Bharatiya Jnanpith to authors for their exceptional contributions to literature.

Today, Kannada, a classical language with a rich 2000-year legacy, faces an existential crisis. Its usage is declining, particularly among the younger generation. Urbanization, globalization, and the rising prominence of English pose threats to Kannada's relevance. Ineffective implementation of language policies, insufficient representation in media and education, and inadequate digital presence exacerbate these challenges. Consequently, Kannada's cultural and literary heritage risks being overshadowed, endangering the identity of Karnataka and its people. Yet, despite these challenges, Kannada remains vibrant and celebrated for its literary heritage, continuing to evolve, fostering new voices, and embracing contemporary themes while honoring its deep-rooted traditions. The history of Kannada is not only a testament to its linguistic richness but also a reflection of the enduring spirit and resilience of its people.