TELUGU
Telugu literary criticism
VYASA GAUTAMI — Essays on Telugu literature: B. Rambrahmam; Pub. by Appajosyula-Vishnubhotla-Kandalam Foundation, U.S. Copies can be had from Visalandhra Publishing House, 4-1-435, Vignan Bhavan, Bank Street, Hyderabad-500001. Rs. 120.
THIS IS a compilation of 18 literary essays, written and published on different occasions by an expert in literary criticism.
In the opening essay, the author pictures the individuality of the Telugu literary genre and says, "other than reading, reflecting, enjoying and authentically displaying the modes, their excellence, there is nothing we could do to pay back the earlier poets for the long legacy they had left us." He quotes extensively from the early writings to illustrate his point.
The essays touch upon the depth, imagination and expression of poets like Nannayya, Pingali-Katuri, Rangajamma, Srinatha, Kopparapu brothers, Madhunapantula, Viswanatha, E Krishnamacharya and others. Some essays are devoted only to the science or techniques of transcreation giving the original ideas of the writers as to what constitutes literature and their standing.
His rendering on Panduranga Mahathmiyam of Tenali Ramakrishna, highlighting the sustenance of the family system as the ultimate purpose is very imaginative and touching. The numerous ways and modes of living are illustrated indicating the very purpose of literature as a source for maintaining social equilibrium.
He traces the literary journey of Madhunapantula, the creator of Andhrapuranam. In his earlier Khandakavyas, from Ratnapanchalika to Ratna Panchasika; presents the "Sabda Brahmopasana"(variant and effective use of words) which places the poet on a high pedestal.
In the short essay on Tenali Ramakrishna's literary work, Utbhataradhya Charitra, the writer lists out a series of riddles that must be attended to. Ghatakarfura Kavyam, in 22 verses, attributed to Kalidasa is appended and again a series of doubts is raised over the authenticity of authorship.
He annotates the excellence found in four verses. These essays are of value to the general reader and also the scholar. The author deserves praise for coming out with this book.
N. C. RAMANUJACHARY
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