Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu and his
court Bhuvana Vijayam comprising Ashta Diggajas was taken as a model by many
kings and kingdoms in and out of the Indian sub-continent. Rayalu was known for
his fondness towards literature and his patronage towards poets and composers.
The Ashta Diggajas in Bhuvana
Vijayam are Allasani Peddana, Nandi Thimmana, Dhurjati, Madayya Gari Mallana,
Pingali Surana, Tenali Rama Krishnudu, Ayyala Raju Rama Bhadrudu and Rama Raja
Bhushanudu.
Rayalu was compared to one of the
greatest ever kings of the country King Bhoja, for his inclination towards
developing literature and composition. Rayalu himself was a scholar in
Sanskrit, Telugu (Andhra) and Kannada. Most famous among the Telugu
compositions of Rayalu were Amuktha Malyada, and Vishnu Chitheeyamu. Both the
compositions were based on God Vishnus devotees.
Life sketch of devotee Vishnu
Chitha, Goda Devis devotion and Gods testing were the key elements. Goda Devi
was a devotee of Lord Krishna right from her childhood. She adored Him ad
finally she marries Lord Krishna. The heartfelt expressions of Goda Devi about
the Lord Krishna and her lifestyle were decoratively in Amuktha Malyada. Though
Amuktha Malyada was written in Telugu, it was majorly filled with usages of
Sanskrit language and was not generally understandable by the common people.
However, the scholars and persons with proficiency in Sanskrit applauded the
book. They appreciated the expression of feelings, narration style and
presentations of grammar and usages.
A criticism was in circulation
about Amuktha Malyada during those days. It was said that Allasani Peddana
authored it and named to be written by Rayalu. Critics also cited a line from
sonnets written in both Amuktha Malyada and Manu Charithram starting with
Neela Meghamu Daalu Deelu Cheyu Gajalu.
Allasani Peddana wrote Manu
Charitram, sometime later to Rayalu writing Amuktha Malyada. There was also a
discussion that Allasani Peddana with high regards to King Rayalu took the
sonnet and presented it as it was written in Amuktha Malyada. Anyway, the
criticism and discussion for and against Amuktha Malyada went on for quite
sometime.
One day, Rayalu during the
literature discussion in Bhuvana Vijayam asked the present poets and experts to
comment over Amuktha Malyada. No one knew what the King actually wished to hear
from the gathering. Almost all the renowned poets and scholars did not dare
comment either for or against the book of Rayalu, thinking not to lose the
place and position in the Bhuvana Vijayam.
Waiting for some time, Ramalinga
raised. In a single sentence he said that he carried no two feelings about the
book.
He furthered, My Lord! A right
critic will never bother who the author was. The critic will always be
concentrating about the subject, presentation, narration and standards of
language. Any criticism should be based on the occasion. It is also to be
recalled that for any matter there definitely will be both constructive and
destructive criticism in the world.
Rayalu asked Ramalinga to first
explain the lacunae in the book. Ramalinga commented there were one or two
usages that were irrelevant to the context of the situation. Rayalu was
irritated on listening this. Ramakrishna! Dont you note the circumstances to
wit on? Im not convinced with your sarcastic comment. Refer to the text and
pass the comment carefully quoting it, roared the King.
The whole court was silent and
the Kings tone echoed in. Ramalinga took out a copy of Amuktha Malyada and
recited a stanza from the text,
"Aanishtha nidhi geha seema nadu
reyalinchinan mroyunem,
the nagendra sayananu punya
kathalum divya prabandhanu sam,
dhana dhyanamu naasthi
sakaluhuthansthushna thanasthapu va,
po nasthyo danaleshtavam
chaknapaya bhokthavya mastalkulu"
Referring to the last two lines
of the above stanza I recited, I feel that it was like asking a guest to have
lunch from a plate that is not served with any eatables. The situation is
different here and this explains something different, which is irrelevant said
Ramalinga. All the members of the Bhuvana Vijayam looked at Ramalinga
appreciating. Still, they were worried what would be the reaction of King
Rayalu on this straight criticism on his book.
Rayalu reacted strange to the
expectations of the courtiers. With his natural affection and inclination to
constructive criticism and especially scholars, Ramalinga! That was good to
note your evaluation style. You are right. There definitely will be
constructive and destructive criticisms on any material. I request all the
members of the Bhuvana Vijayam to take Ramalinga as model and express their
comments freely on any book or composition. There is no need to consider who is
the author and what is his or her status.
The courtiers continued to shower
their appreciations long even after the court was adjourned for the day.
This was the courage, cleverness and presence of mind
Ramalinga had.
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