Andhra Pradesh to Celebrate Molla Jayanti as State Festival
Table of Contents
Relevance: State Current Affairs – Andhra Pradesh Culture and Literature (For UPSC: GS Paper I – Indian Culture and Literature)
For Prelims:
- Atukuri Molla, Molla Jayanti, Molla Ramayanam, Adi Kavayitri of Telugu Literature, Tummalapalli Kalakshetram, Gopavaram (Kadapa district).
For Mains:
- Telugu Literary Heritage, Women in Medieval Literature, Cultural Recognition by State Governments, Preservation of Regional Literary Traditions.
Why in News?
The Andhra Pradesh Government has announced that Molla Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the renowned Telugu poetess Atukuri Molla, will be celebrated as an official State festival on March 13.
State-level celebrations will be organised at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada, while district administrations will conduct commemorative events across the state.
About Molla Jayanti
Molla Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Atukuri Molla, one of the most prominent poetesses in Telugu literature.
Key Features of the Celebration
- Declared an official State festival by the Andhra Pradesh government.
- State-level programme at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram, Vijayawada.
- District-level celebrations across Andhra Pradesh.
The initiative aims to honour Molla’s contribution to Telugu literature and cultural heritage.
Atukuri Molla
Atukuri Molla, also known as Molla Mamba, was a celebrated Telugu poetess.
Key Facts
- Born in the 16th century.
- Birthplace: Gopavaram village, Kadapa district (Andhra Pradesh).
- Belonged to a potter’s family.
- Recognised as the Adi Kavayitri (first poetess) of Telugu literature.
Her literary achievements are especially significant because she rose to prominence despite her modest social background.
Literary Contributions
The most famous work of Atukuri Molla is the Molla Ramayanam.
Molla Ramayanam
- Telugu translation of the Ramayana originally composed by Valmiki in Sanskrit.
- Written in simple and accessible Telugu language.
- Made the epic accessible to common people.
While Nannayya is honoured as the Adi Kavi (first poet) of Telugu literature, Molla is revered as the Adi Kavayitri.
Significance of Molla Ramayanam
Molla Ramayanam holds a special place in Telugu literary tradition.
Key Significance
- Accessible Language
Written in simple Telugu, making the Ramayana understandable for ordinary people. - Women’s Contribution to Literature
Demonstrates the significant role of women in classical Indian literary traditions. - Cultural Preservation
Helped popularise the Ramayana among Telugu-speaking communities. - Social Inclusiveness
Molla’s background illustrates how literary excellence transcends social barriers.
Cultural Importance of the Celebration
The declaration of Molla Jayanti as a State festival reflects the importance of preserving regional literary heritage.
Key Objectives
- Promote awareness of Telugu literary traditions.
- Honour contributions of women writers in Indian literature.
- Encourage cultural pride and literary appreciation among younger generations.
Such celebrations also help strengthen regional identity and cultural continuity.
Conclusion
The Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to celebrate Molla Jayanti as a State festival highlights the enduring legacy of Atukuri Molla, whose literary work enriched Telugu culture and made classical literature accessible to the masses. Recognising her contributions reinforces the importance of preserving regional literary heritage and celebrating the role of women in India’s cultural history.
CARE MCQ
Q. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
CDS-II (2016)
List-I (Strait)
- She is regarded as the first poetess (Adi Kavayitri) of Telugu literature.
- She translated Valmiki’s Ramayana into Telugu, known as Molla Ramayanam.
- She belonged to a royal family in medieval Andhra.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Statement 1 – Correct: Atukuri Molla is honoured as the Adi Kavayitri (first poetess) of Telugu literature.
Statement 2 – Correct: She composed the Molla Ramayanam, a Telugu version of the Ramayana.
Statement 3 – Incorrect: She was born into a potter’s family, not a royal family.
