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Draft:Yayati Charitramu

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Yayati Charitramu
AuthorPonneganti Telaganarya
LanguageTelugu
GenrePoetry
Published16th century
Publication placeIndia
Media typeManuscript

Yayati Charitramu is a Telugu poetic work composed by Ponneganti Telaganarya (Ponneganti Telaganna) during the 16th century. It is regarded as the first Achcha Telugu (pure Telugu) literary work, it holds a significant place in the history of Telugu literature for its unique linguistic and poetic features.[1] It is composed in c. 1575. It is a prabandha kavya and tells the story of Yayati as given in Mahabharata. The work has 737 verse as well as prose stanzas fivided into five aswas.[1]

Author

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The author, Ponneganti Telaganarya, hailed from Potancheruvu (modern-day Medak district, Telangana). He lived between 1520 and 1600 CE and served as an official in the Golconda Sultanate. He dedicated Yayati Charitramu to Amin Khan, a minister under Ibrahim Qutb Shah.[1] Telaganarya's work reflects his deep command of the Telugu language and his dedication to showcasing its purity.

Significance

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Yayati Charitramu is celebrated for being the first comprehensive poetic work written entirely in pure Telugu, free from excessive influence of Sanskrit or other languages. Telugu grammar recognizes six types of words: *Sanskrit samams*, *Prakrit samams*, *Sanskrit bhavas*, *Prakrit bhavas*, *Desyams*, and *Anyadesyams*. Of these, all except *Sanskrit samams* are considered pure Telugu words, a principle that guided Telaganarya's composition. Critics have highlighted how this adherence to linguistic purity enriches both the reader's linguistic knowledge and creative potential.

Unlike typical early literary works, which often serve as templates for later compositions but are surpassed in quality, Yayati Charitramu retains its prominence in the canon of Telugu literature. Critics have praised its linguistic excellence and historical significance, emphasizing its role in establishing the tradition of pure Telugu poetry.

Themes and style

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The poem narrates the story of King Yayati, a significant figure in Indian mythology, showcasing themes of morality, duty, and human frailty. Its narrative is interwoven with poetic brilliance and a rich linguistic tapestry that celebrates the expressive potential of Telugu.

Literary legacy

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Yayati Charitramu paved the way for future Telugu poets to explore the possibilities of pure Telugu expression. Its pioneering role in Telugu literature and its enduring literary quality make it a cornerstone of the language's poetic tradition. Scholars and critics have consistently lauded its contribution to linguistic and literary culture.

References

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  1. ^ a b c Mukherjee, Sujit (1998). A Dictionary of Indian Literature: Beginnings-1850. Orient Blackswan. p. 431. ISBN 978-81-250-1453-9.