1. General Patronage

• Vijayanagara rulers were great patrons of literature.
• Promoted Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada languages.
• Literary peak under Krishnadeva Raya, also called ‘Andhra Bhoja’.

2. Sanskrit Literature

• Sayana:
  • Minister of Harihara II.
  • Wrote standard commentaries on the Vedas.
• Madhavacharya:
  • Prominent Sanskrit scholar.
  • Closely associated with the Vijayanagara royal family.
• Krishnadeva Raya:
  • Composed Usha Parinayam and Jambavati Kalyanam in Sanskrit.

3. Tamil Literature

• Encouraged scholars from Saivism, Vaishnavism, Jainism.
• Tirumalainatha:
  • Author of Chidambara Puranam and Chokkanatharula.
• Paranjyothiyar: Son of Tirumalainatha.
• Sevvaichchbuduvar: Translated Bhagavata Purana into Tamil.
• Vadamalavi Annagalayyam: Wrote Irusamaya Filakkain (Vaishnavism).

4. Telugu Literature

• Krishnadeva Raya:
  • Wrote Amuktamalyada in Telugu – story of Andal (Goda Devi).
  • Called Abhinava Bhoja and Andhra Pitamaha.
• Ashtadiggajas (8 eminent poets in his court):
  • Allasani Peddanna – Manucharita; titled Andhra Kavita Pitamaha.
  • Nandi Thimmana
  • Tenali Rama – Panduranga Mahatyam; jester and scholar.
  • Dhurjati
  • Bhattu Murthy
  • Puna Vira Bhadra
  • Mallana
  • Panaji Surana
• Nachana Somanatha: Expert in Sanskrit & Telugu.
• Pillalamarri Pina Virabhadra Kavi: Telugu Shakuntalam.
• Srinatha (under Devaraya I): Wrote Haravilasam.

5. Kannada Literature

• Bhima Kavi: Translated Basava Purana into Kannada.
• Kumara Velmiki: Composed a Kannada Ramayana.
• Harihara II: Titled Karnataka Vidyavilasa for his scholarship.

6. Women Writers

• Gangadevi:
  • Wife of Kampana (son of Bukka).
  • Wrote Maduravijayam – a mahakavya on Madura conquest.
• Hannamma: Poet in Devaraya II’s court.
• Thirumalamma: Renowned poetess of the era.