Regional Literary Evolution

Telugu Mahabharata: Nannaya and Tikkana

Nannaya and Tikkana are two of the three legendary poets famous for translating the Sanskrit Mahabharata into Telugu. They are part of the 'Kavitrayam' trinity of Telugu literature.

Primary Reference: Standard Educational Reference

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Famous for Telugu translation:
1. Kamban
2. Kuttan
3. Nannaya
4. Tikkana

[UPPCS Pre 2012]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Telugu literature flourished through the translation of Sanskrit epics, a process led by a group of three poets known as the Kavitrayam (The Trinity of Poets).

Authentic Source Evidence


Nannaya (11th century) started the Telugu Mahabharata, completing the first two and a half chapters. Tikkana (13th century) followed, translating the remaining 15 parvas (chapters). Along with Yerrapragada, they completed the epic.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Kamban (Option 1) is a legendary Tamil poet famous for the Kamba Ramayanam, not Telugu works.

  • Logic 2: Nannaya is considered the 'Adi Kavi' (First Poet) of Telugu, making options 3 and 4 the only correct pairing for Telugu literary foundations.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Who completed the Aranya Parva of the Telugu Mahabharata?"

    Yerrapragada completed the half-finished Aranya Parva that Nannaya had left behind.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The translation of the Mahabharata over three centuries by three different poets highlights the sustained cultural importance of the epic in the Telugu-speaking world."

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