Old Kannada is the root of modern Kannada, says eminent scholar
Scholar Hampa Nagarajaiah emphasized the importance of old Kannada as the foundation for modern Kannada literature. He urged educators to focus on teaching classical poetry and linguistic nuances to preserve the state's literary heritage.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing efforts to preserve indigenous linguistic heritage and classical literature in the face of modern, exam-oriented education systems.
Noted scholar Hampa Nagarajaiah on Tuesday (July 28) said old Kannada is the root of the richness of modern Kannada, asserting that classical Kannada literature is far less difficult than perceived and becomes easier to understand through regular reading.
He was inaugurating a workshop on reading and interpreting old Kannada texts for research scholars and Kannada lecturers from degree colleges. It was organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture in association with the Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies, University of Mysore, on the university campus.
Dr. Nagarajaiah urged teachers to explain classical poetry by familiarising students with “Chandussu, Champakamala, Shardulavikridita, Mattebhavikridita and Utpalamala”, along with the linguistic nuances.
Expressing concern over the declining study, teaching and research of old Kannada, he said such workshops are essential to revive interest in the language and preserve its literary heritage.
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