Question

Which one of the following is a famous literary work authored by Raja Krishnadeva Raya?

• A. Amuktamalyada
• B. Ponniyin Selvan
• C. Kadambari
• D. Malatimadhava

Hint:

Raja Krishnadeva Raya's contribution to Telugu literature is immense, and his work Amuktamalyada remains a key part of the literary heritage of South India.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The correct answer is Amuktamalyada

Understanding the Literary Contributions of Raja Krishnadeva Raya

The question asks which literary work was authored by Raja Krishnadeva Raya, the renowned ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. Krishnadeva Raya was a distinguished patron of the arts and a poet himself, contributing significantly to Telugu literature.

Identifying the Correct Literary Work

Among the listed options, historical and literary records confirm that Amuktamalyada is the famous work authored by Raja Krishnadeva Raya. It is a celebrated Telugu epic poem from the 16th century.

• Amuktamalyada: Authored by Raja Krishnadeva Raya, this Telugu epic poem narrates the divine marriage of Lord Vishnu and Andal, a Tamil Alvar saint. It is renowned for its poetic excellence, devotional themes, and reflections of Vijayanagara society, making it one of the "Pancha Kavyas" (five great Telugu poems).
• Ponniyin Selvan: A 20th-century Tamil historical novel by Kalki Krishnamurthy, focusing on the Chola dynasty. It is unrelated to Krishnadeva Raya or the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Kadambari: A 7th-century Sanskrit prose romance by Banabhatta, written during the reign of King Harsha. It is a classic of Sanskrit literature but not connected to Krishnadeva Raya.
• Malatimadhava: An 8th-century Sanskrit romantic play by Bhavabhuti, known for its emotional depth but unrelated to Krishnadeva Raya.

Based on historical and literary evidence, Amuktamalyada is the work authored by Raja Krishnadeva Raya.

Comparing Contributions of Literary Works

Here is a brief comparison of the works mentioned in the options:

Work	Primary Contribution Relevant to Question Context
Amuktamalyada	Telugu epic poem by Raja Krishnadeva Raya, depicting Vishnu and Andal’s marriage.
Ponniyin Selvan	Tamil historical novel by Kalki Krishnamurthy, focused on the Chola dynasty.
Kadambari	Sanskrit prose romance by Banabhatta, a 7th-century literary classic.
Malatimadhava	Sanskrit romantic play by Bhavabhuti, from the 8th century.

Therefore, the famous literary work authored by Raja Krishnadeva Raya is Amuktamalyada.

Revision Table: Key Literary Works in Indian History

Work	Associated Period/Area	Significance
Amuktamalyada	16th Century, Vijayanagara Empire	Telugu epic poem by Krishnadeva Raya, key to Vijayanagara literature.
Ponniyin Selvan	20th Century, Tamil Nadu	Tamil historical novel by Kalki, depicting Chola history.
Kadambari	7th Century, North India	Sanskrit prose romance by Banabhatta, a literary masterpiece.
Malatimadhava	8th Century, North India	Sanskrit play by Bhavabhuti, known for emotional narrative.

Additional Information on Raja Krishnadeva Raya and Amuktamalyada

Raja Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529 CE) was the most illustrious ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, with its capital at Hampi. His reign was a golden era for art, architecture, and literature. A scholar and poet, he patronized poets and scholars across multiple languages, including Telugu, Kannada, and Sanskrit. Amuktamalyada, his most famous work, is a Telugu epic poem that blends mythology, devotion, and historical context, recounting the story of Andal’s devotion to Lord Vishnu. The poem is a literary gem, offering insights into the cultural and religious ethos of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi, the empire’s capital, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its architectural splendor and historical significance.