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Kokkonda Venkata Ratnam Pantulu (1842–1915) was a well-known Telugu and Sanskrit writer in the nineteenth century.[1] As a respect word pantulu meaning scholar was added. He was known as Andhra Johnson and is remembered as the multifaceted Andhra genius, the pioneer of many movements in social reform, literature, publication, journalism.
Kokkonda Venkata Ratnam Pantulu | |
|---|---|
| Born | Kokkonda Venkata Ratnam |
| Occupation(s) | Sanskrit and Telugu writer |
Writings
editIn 1867, he published incomplete Mahasvetha. This was never published as a book, although a portion of it was serialized in a literary monthly published form. It is evident from the serialized portion that the author had desired to give a Telugu rendering of the episode of Mahasveta from the Sanskrit Kadambari.[2]
In 1876 his poem was selected and published in the Anglo-Indian Prize Poems By Native and English Writers, in Commemoration of the visit of Prince of Wales to India.[3]
His Narakasura Vijayam, a translation of Varanasi Dharma Suri's Sanskrit 'Vyayoga' was first published in 1872. It is believed to be the first Telugu drama to be printed. Since this was first ever translation to Telugu, he had to work out his own path for it.[4] He tried to capture the meaning but also used the same sound (similar word) as far as possible. He also brought out the nuances of the style according to the situation in the original.
He also wrote verses using new meters named after metals like silver, gold, etc., for instance, a meter called Seesam (lead) in Telugu.
His other plays include Dhananjaya Vij'aya Vyayogam, Prasanna Raghavam, Panchatantram, Simhachala Yatra, Bilveswara Satakam, Bilveswareeya Prabhandham, Mangalagiri Mayathyam, Korukonda Mahathyam, Godavari Varnam, Godavari Manjari, Deekshita Charitram, Yuva Raja Paryatanam.
He was the editor of journal Andhra Bhasa Sanjivani (1871–91) [5] which covered a broad range of literary, social and contemporary issues. After him, Kandukuri Veeresalingam took the post.
Writing philosophy
editHe was a die hard purist and follower of Paravastu Chinnayasuri style of prose writing and wrote Vigrahamu and Sandhi. He ensued a literary warfare with Kandukuri Veeresalingam, for whom linguistic reform was a part of his social reform movements.
Magnum Opus, Bilveswareeyan with 3442 poems was reprinted by Sri Sri Ratna Kamalambika Seva Trust. On 26 March 2013, local TV DD Saptagiri channel broadcast a review of this book.
References
edit- ^ Das, Sisir Kumar (2000). History of Indian Literature. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 9788172010065.
- ^ "The First Novel in Telugu". www.yabaluri.org. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
- ^ Anglo-Indian Prize Poems. Hamilton, Adams & Co. 1876. p. 47.
- ^ Apparao, Ponangi Sri Rama (1994). Dharmavaram Ramakrishnamacharyulu. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 9788172017712.
- ^ Dr.G.Somasekhara (2018). TELUGU PRESS AND INDIAN FREEDOM MOVEMENT. Roshmi Book Publication. p. 29. ISBN 978-1-387-76595-9.
External links
edit- Ref: History of Indian Literature, Volume 1 page 169
- Ref: in History of Indian Literature, Volume 1 page 567
- Local TV coverage in youtube of Magnum Opus, "BILVESWAREEYAM" book release
- Photo and content captured from ‘Vignana Sarvaswam’ book 4th volume, printed by Telugu Academy
- Ref in book Dharmavaram Ramakrishnamacharyulu by Ponangi Sri Rama Apparao
- Ref: Report on the Administration of the Madras Presidency
- Ref: Land, Water, Language and Politics in Andhra: Regional Evolution in India Since 1850