Pampa - Kannada Poet

This masterclass is for M.A. Kannada students. Pampa was a 10th-century Jain Kannada poet known as the Ādikavi ("First Poet") for his foundational works, Vikramārjuna Vijaya and Ādi Purāṇa. His epics were written in the champu style and were composed for the court of the Vemulavada Chalukya king Arikesari II. Pampa is considered one of the "Three Gems of Kannada literature" alongside Sri Ponna and Ranna, and his works helped shape the future of Kannada literature. Life and career Time period: Active around the turn of the 10th century, with dates ranging from approximately 902 to 955 CE. Patronage: Served as the court poet for King Arikesari II of the Vemulavada Chalukyas, and was also a feudatory of the Rashtrakuta king Krishna III. Religion: A Jain poet whose works reflect his Jain beliefs. Legacy: His works set a template for later Kannada champu compositions and he is considered a pioneer of Kannada literature. Major works