Modern literature Mysore literature in Kannada

the birth of modern expression in kannada language can traced 19th century, transition in later decades included influence of english literature on local traditions. earliest examples of modern literature came in form of prose, either inspired or renderings of sanskrit classics, in court of king krishnaraja wodeyar iii. king himself accomplished kannada writer whom ascribed prose romance saugandhika parinaya. under patronage of king, kempu narayana wrote mudramanjusha ( seal casket , 1823), historical novel , innovative version of sanskrit original, mudrarakshasa vishaka datta. work considered trailblazer in modern kannada prose.

english-language education, role of missionaries, translation of bible kannada in 1820, arrival of printing press, publication of newspapers , periodicals , earliest kannada-english , english-kannada dictionaries helped modernise kannada prose. development of prose narrative came way of translations of christian classics, such yatrikana sanchara (the pilgrim s progress, 1847). dramatic literature got impetus translations of sanskrit , english classics (shakuntala in 1869; macbeth, king lear , romeo , juliet). modern novel, reformist outlook, born in 1892. milestone followed earliest social plays similar themes, trend had set roots in modern literature of marathi , bengali languages. muddanna (or nandalike lakshminarayana) stands out unique writer, language old-kannada sensibilities modern. 2 important works adbhuta ramayana (1895) , ramaswamedham (1898). latter work historically important prose development – ancient epic handled modern viewpoint. narrator author , listener wife. muddanna s declaration padyam vadhyam, gadyam hridyam (lit. poetry deserves killing whereas prose reaches heart ) summarises trends in kannada literature in late 19th century.