Ranna (949-1020 CE)
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Ranaa was a Kannada poet.
He was one of the three gems of ancient Kannada literature with Adikavi Pampa and Sri Ponna.
Patrons:
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Chavundaraya – a minister in the court of the Western Gangas.
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Ranna served as the court poet of Chalukyan king Tailapa II (r. 973-997 CE) and King Satyashraya (r. 997-1008 CE).
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A Jain lady Attimabbe (950-1020 CE) – a noblewoman in the Western Chalukyan Empire.
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His writings are in ‘old Kannada’ (Halegannada). They include:
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Ajitha purana (993 CE)
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A Jain Purana
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Describes the life of the 2nd Jain Tirthankara Ajitanatha.
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Patron: Attimabbe.
Parashurama-charite
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It is a eulogy of the Chamundaraya.
Gadaayuddha (or Saahasabhima Vijaya)
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Patron: Chalukya King Satyashraya
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Ranna’s magnum opus
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It describes the valour of important personalities.
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Ranna compares the valour of his patron to Bhima, a Pandava brother in Mahabharata.
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Notably, the Ranna appreciated Duryodhana for upholding the values of the bravery of a Kshatriya and friendship with Karana, despite his sins.
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