Gangadevi's Madhuravijayam : A Literary Study

The aim of this work is to draw upon the fullness of the epic poem Madhuravijayam. An attempt to analyse the writings of Gangadevi carefully and systematically, shows that these writings are rich in historical accounts of Vijaya nagar Empire. There is, of course, no dearth of research papers or book-lets on this epic poem; but a single and systematic study of the Madhuravijayam in its literary and historical perspectives, has, to my knowledge, not yet been under-taken. With this in view, it has taken up the work a literary study of the Madhuravijayam.

Indeed, Gangadevi stands out among Ole poetesses in the field of Sanskrit literature. Intelligible in itself, Gangadevi writings need no further elucidation for the learned to understand and appreciate them. But, for further clarification of Alankaras, Rasa-delineation etc., the Sanskrit commentary "Bhavaprakasika" by Subrahmanya Shastri has been frequently referred in this work.

This work attempts to show how Gangadevi's reinforces the historical facts and restores literary aspects. This is what may be considered to be the contribution of Gangadevi to the world of secular Sanskrit literature.

Dr. B.A. Dodamani, born in 1955, belonging to Bijapur province in the Karnataka State, did M.A. (Sanskrit) with much coveted I^st Class. As a devout researcher in the field of Sanskrit, completed Ph. D. degree in 1991. Though he had passed K.A.S. Examination, due to his deep interest in teaching, Dr. Dodamani entered the field of teaching, and now he has long teaching experience of more than 25 years. Being one of the proficient scholars in the field of Alankara Shastra, he has many research papers to his credit. As the Director of Oriental Research Institute, Mysore from 1994 to 1996, he edited many Sanskrit manuscripts and published them. Besides, he has been associated with many Educational centres of national repute, in different capacities.

At present, Dr. Dodamani is Professor & Chairman (BOE), in the Department of Sanskrit as well as member of the Academic Council of the University of Mysore, Mysore (Karnataka).

The aim of this work is to draw upon the fullness of the epic poem Madhuravijayam. An attempt to analyse the writings of Gangadevi carefully and systematically, shows that these writings are rich in historical accounts of Vijayanagar empire. There is, of course, no dearth of research papers or book-lets on this epic poem; but a single and systematic study of the Madhuravijayam in its literary and historical perspectives, has, to my knowledge, not yet been undertaken. With this in view, I have taken up in this work a literary study of the Madhuravijayam.

Indeed, Gangadevi stands out among the poetesses in the field of Sanskrit literature. Intelligible in itself, Gangadevi's writings need no further elucidation for the learned to understand and appreciate them. But, for further clarification of Alankaras, Rasa-delineation etc., the Sanskrit commentary "Bh5vapralciSikr by Subrahmanya Shastri has been frequently referred to in this work.

This work attempts to show how Gangadevi's reinforces the historical facts and restores literary aspects. This is what may be considered to be the contribution of Gangadevi to the world of secular Sanskrit literature. It is hoped, the References given at the end of each chapter will add to the usefulness of the work.

It has been my privilege to mention the name of my bosom friend, Dr. K.B. Archak, Reader in Sanskrit, Karnatak University, Dharwad. Without his constant guidance and prompt corrections, this work would not have been possible. It is thus a great pleasure for me to express my deep sense of honour and heartfelt thanks to him.

I extend my deep respectful sense of honour to my teacher Dr. D.N. Shanbhag, Professor of Sanskrit (Retd.), Kamatak University Dharwad, and recipient of prestigious award from the President of India, for having given many useful suggestions for the improvement of this work.

It is my pleasant duty to record my most hearty thanks to Anjana Bansal, Sharada Publishing House for accepting this work as its publication and accomplishing the same neatly with meticulous care as well as magnificent co-operation.