Part of: Andhra Pradesh Gk set 1

Srimadandhra Mahaharatam was written by .....

Category: Andhra Pradesh Gk

Hint: Consider the collaborative nature of the epic's composition.

Correct Answer: D) All of the above.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Srimadandhra Mahaharatam is a significant Telugu version of the Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. The epic is a monumental work that retells the story of the Mahabharata in the Telugu language, which is spoken primarily in the state of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in India.

The composition of Srimadandhra Mahaharatam is a remarkable example of literary collaboration. It was not written by a single author but rather by a series of poets who each contributed to different parts of the epic. The three poets who are credited with the composition of Srimadandhra Mahaharatam are Nannaya, Tikkanna, and Errapragada.

Nannaya, who lived in the 11th century, is considered the first poet to begin the translation of the Mahabharata into Telugu. He wrote the first part of the epic, known as the Adiparva, which covers the early life and events leading up to the Kurukshetra war. However, Nannaya did not complete the entire epic, and his work remained unfinished.

Several centuries later, in the 13th century, Tikkanna continued the work of Nannaya. He wrote the second part of the epic, known as the Bheeshmaparva, which covers the events of the Kurukshetra war. Tikkanna's contribution was significant in continuing the narrative and bringing the epic closer to completion.

Finally, in the 15th century, Errapragada completed the epic by writing the remaining parts, known as the Harivamsaparva and the Sundarikanda. His contribution was crucial in finishing the epic and ensuring that the entire story of the Mahabharata was retold in Telugu.

Thus, the composition of Srimadandhra Mahaharatam is a collective effort by these three poets, each contributing to different parts of the epic. This collaborative nature of the work is a testament to the rich literary tradition of Telugu literature and the importance of the Mahabharata in Indian culture.

Understanding the collaborative nature of Srimadandhra Mahaharatam is essential for students preparing for competitive examinations, as it highlights the significance of teamwork and the cultural importance of retelling ancient epics in regional languages. It also underscores the historical context of Telugu literature and the evolution of the language over several centuries.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Nannaya is one of the poets who contributed to Srimadandhra Mahaharatam, but he did not write the entire work alone. This option is incorrect because it does not account for the contributions of Tikkanna and Errapragada.
  • Option B: Tikkanna is another poet who contributed to Srimadandhra Mahaharatam, but he did not write the entire work alone. This option is incorrect because it does not account for the contributions of Nannaya and Errapragada.
  • Option C: Errapragada is the third poet who contributed to Srimadandhra Mahaharatam, but he did not write the entire work alone. This option is incorrect because it does not account for the contributions of Nannaya and Tikkanna.
  • Option D: This option is correct because Srimadandhra Mahaharatam was a collaborative effort by Nannaya, Tikkanna, and Errapragada. Each poet wrote different parts of the epic, making this the only option that accurately reflects the composition of the work.

Mnemonic: NTE: Nannaya, Tikkanna, Errapragada

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