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Purandara Dasa

Type Figure Region South Asia Time c. 1484–1564 Also known as Father of Kannada literature

Purandara Dasa (c. 1484–1564) was a foundational figure of Kannada literature and Carnatic music, hailed as the 'father of Dasa literature';…

Timeline

  1. 1511–1515Vijayanagara · KarnatakaServing as the wealthy merchant Srinivasa Nayaka, he was a court musician under Krishnadeva Raya, taking part in palace musical performances, and had already begun composing early devotional songs during this period.
  2. 1515–1520Purandaragad · KarnatakaAfter a spiritual awakening he abandoned commerce for the religious life, taking the name Purandara Dasa, composing numerous kīrtana in Kannada expounding morality, social justice, and Vaishnava devotion, and founding the Dasa literary school.

Sources