The first poet of Telugu and the beginning of the Mahabharata translation. Nannayya Bhatta lived in the 11th century, during the rule of the Chalukyas—specifically associated with the Eastern Chalukya king Rajaraja Narendra (1022–1061 CE) in his early career, and later appearing in records of the Western Chalukya king Somesvara III by 1127 CE. He undertook the monumental task of translating the Sanskrit Mahabharata into Telugu, beginning with the Adi Parvam (Book of Beginnings). He also completed the Sabha Parvam (Book of the Assembly Hall) and a portion of the Aranya Parvam (Book of the Forest) before his death. His translation is not a literal rendering but a creative adaptation that captures the ethos of the original while making it accessible to Telugu audiences. The elegance of his verse, the precision of his grammar, and his mastery of both Sanskrit and Telugu earned him the title Adi Kavi – the first poet of the language.
The Kavitrayam – a trinity of poets. Nannayya's unfinished work was continued two centuries later by Tikkana (1205–1288 CE), who translated 15 parvams from Virata Parvam to Svargarohana Parvam, deliberately skipping the Aranya Parvam left incomplete by Nannayya. Finally, Errana (14th century) filled the gap by translating the remainder of Aranya Parvam. Together, they are celebrated as the Kavitrayam (the three poets), and their combined work is the standard Telugu version of the Mahabharata, still recited and performed in villages across Andhra and Telangana.
Holder of the Bhattaraka title. Nannayya bore the title Bhattaraka (or Bhatta), a prestigious honorific used for learned scholars and religious leaders. Several inscriptions in Telugu and Kannada from the 11th–12th centuries mention Nannayya or his contemporaries, confirming his historical reality and his association with royal courts.
On the grammar—a later attribution. Nannayya is traditionally credited with writing a treatise on Telugu grammar in Sanskrit verse, known as the Andhra-shabda-chintamani. However, this work is lost, and no original manuscript or contemporary inscription confirms its existence. The attribution comes primarily from the 17th-century grammarian Appa-kavi, who claimed his own grammar was based on Nannaya's. Modern scholars consider this claim fictitious or highly dubious, dating the work's final form to the 17th century rather than the 11th. The earliest authentic Telugu grammar is attributed to Mulaghatika Ketana (13th century), who makes no mention of Nannaya's grammar. Thus, while Nannaya is undisputedly the first poet of Telugu, his role as the first grammarian rests on tradition rather than evidence.
Literary Works – The Telugu Mahabharatam
Epigraphic Evidence – Nannayya in Stone and Copper
Nandampudi grant (1053 CE): A copper‑plate inscription of the Eastern Chalukya king Rajaraja Narendra (also called Rajarajanarendra). It records a grant of land to a Brahmin named Narayana Bhatta, but the composition of the charter is attributed to Nannayya Bhatta, who is described as a great poet in both Sanskrit and Telugu. This is the earliest epigraphic reference to Nannayya and confirms his role as a royal court poet.
Chillagiri inscription (1058 CE): A pillar inscription in agricultural land, written in Telugu‑Kannada script. It records that Bana Soma Bhattaraka made a gift of land for the god Mulasthanadeva. This inscription demonstrates that the title Bhattaraka was in use in the region during Nannayya's time, often associated with religious figures.
Utturu inscriptions (Nalgonda, 1087–1089 CE): Three Telugu verse inscriptions from the Matturi family, mentioning a solar eclipse and land grants to various deities. They are composed in metrical forms (Utpalamala, Champakamala, Mattebha) within a generation of Nannayya, attesting to the early maturity of Telugu poetry.
Patacheru inscription (Sangareddy, 1127 CE): Dated C.V.E. 51 Parabhava, Phalguna su. 7 (22 February 1127 CE). It states that the officer Pasayita Bammanayya, acting on the orders of the Kalyani Chalukya king Somesvara III, granted the privilege of collecting a measure of grain from Chintamanipura to Nannayya Bhatta, the astrologer, for calculating the auspicious date for the king's military expedition. This is the latest known inscription mentioning Nannayya by name, indicating he was alive and active in 1127 CE.
The Kavitrayam – Trinity of Telugu Poets
Nannayya (11th century): Adi Kavi – began the translation, wrote three parvams.
Tikkana (13th century): Continued the work, translating 15 parvams from Virata Parvam to Svargarohana Parvam. He skipped the Aranya Parvam to avoid overlapping with Nannayya's incomplete portion.
Errana (14th century): Filled the gap by completing the remainder of Aranya Parvam. He also wrote a Telugu version of the Ramayana.
The Kavitrayam's Mahabharata is considered the crowning achievement of Telugu classical literature. Their styles are distinct yet harmonious: Nannayya is known for his formal, Sanskrit‑laden diction; Tikkana for his graceful, flowing narrative; and Errana for his devotional intensity.
The Bhattaraka Title – Shaiva Pontiffs of Alampur
The title Bhattaraka appears most frequently in the Telangana region at the Brahmesvara Temple in Alampur, where it designated the chief priest or Mahasthanadhipati. These figures often belonged to the Kalamukha or related Shaiva schools. Historical records mention several Bhattarakas associated with Alampur:
- Pancharasi Bhattaraka: Active in the mid-11th century. Records from 1051 CE describe him as the "sole lord of the universe" manifest in Hatampura (Alampur).
- Brahmarasi Bhattaraka: A prominent successor active during the reign of Western Chalukya Somesvara I and Vikramaditya VI. Records spanning 1057–1076 CE show him receiving extensive land grants and customs dues for the temple's maintenance.
- Somesvararasi Bhattaraka: Documented in 1078 CE and 1086 CE as the recipient of wetlands and village grants for the anga-ranga-bhogas (worship rituals) of the god Brahmesvara.
- Dharanindrarasi Pandita (Bhattaraka): Active between 1106 and 1112 CE. He received endowments from chief queens and powerful feudatories like the Jimutavahana chiefs.
- Vitaranendrarasi Pandita: Mentioned as a Sthanadhipati in an undated 12th-century record.
The Bhattaraka Title – Jaina Monastic Leaders
In the Jaina context, the title refers to established ascetics and heads of monastic lineages (Gachchhas). Several inscriptions from the Telangana region record the activities of these Jaina Bhattarakas:
- Ganda Vimukta Bhattaraka: A disciple of Naganandi Bhattaraka. Dated December 5, 1041 CE. He is recorded as having attained Nirvana (salvation) at Bodhan.
- Vasupujya Bhattaraka: An 11th-century teacher whose disciples, Komara Kirtti and Neimichandra Bhattarakas, composed a land grant record in 1028 CE.
- Kanakasena Bhattara: Dated December 25, 1087 CE. He received 100 marttars of land at Puduru from a Western Chalukya subordinate.
- Meghachandra Bhattaraka: A 12th-century teacher of the Kanurgana Meshapashana Gachchha. He is credited with installing images of Parsvanatha at Jadcherla and Kolanupaka.
- Vijayaratna-suri & Vijayaprabhasuri: Dated March 18, 1711 CE. A Mughal-era record from Kolanupaka mentions these Bhattarakas of the Tapa-gachcha overseeing the renovation of a temple during the reign of Bahadur Shah I.
Epigraphic Sites (Telangana & Andhra)
Patacheru (Sangareddy district, Telangana)
The 1127 CE inscription that explicitly names Nannayya Bhatta as an astrologer. The inscription is on a pillar; exact location is near the Patacheru village (now part of Sangareddy district).
Utturu (Miryalaguda taluk, Nalgonda district, Telangana)
Three Telugu verse inscriptions (1087–1089 CE) from the Matturi family. They illustrate the early development of Telugu poetic metres.
Nandampudi (East Godavari district, Andhra)
The copper‑plate grant of Rajaraja Narendra (1053 CE) composed by Nannayya. The plates are now in a museum (possibly Chennai or Vijayawada).
Tips for Researchers & Literature Enthusiasts
The Patacheru inscription (1127 CE) is the only record that explicitly names Nannayya Bhatta as a living person ("astrologer Nannaya Bhatta"). It also mentions the Kalyani Chalukya king Somesvara III, placing Nannayya in a historical context outside of the Eastern Chalukya court. He was rewarded for calculating an auspicious military campaign date. This aligns with the tradition that Nannayya was also a court astrologer. By the oral instructions of the king, the officer Pasayita (Master of Robes) Bammanayya granted Nanneya Bhatta the privilege of collecting a specific measure of grain (Kolaga-daya or Kolaradya) in the locality of Chintamanipura within the capital of Pottalagere
Legacy – The Eternal First Poet
Nannayya Bhatta's contribution to Telugu literature and language cannot be overstated. Before him, Telugu was primarily an oral and inscriptional language; after him, it became a literary vehicle capable of bearing the weight of the Mahabharata. His grammar formalised the rules, and his poetic style set the standard for six centuries. Along with Tikkana and Errana, he created a cultural monument that continues to be read, performed, and revered. The inscriptions that bear his name – from Nandampudi to Patacheru – authenticate his historical existence and reveal his multiple roles: poet, grammarian, astrologer, and holder of the prestigious Bhattaraka title. He truly is the Adi Kavi – the first poet of Telugu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Nannayya called Adi Kavi?
Because he is the first known Telugu poet to compose a major literary work (the Mahabharata translation) with a consistent grammatical framework. Earlier Telugu poetry existed only in inscriptions.
Did Nannayya complete the Telugu Mahabharata?
No, he only completed Adi, Sabha and part of Aranya Parvam. Tikkana and Errana finished it later.
What is a Bhattaraka?
A Bhattaraka is a prestigious title used for learned scholars and religious leaders. In the Telangana region, it was used in both Shaiva contexts (such as the Kalamukha pontiffs at the Brahmesvara Temple in Alampur) and Jaina contexts (as heads of monastic Gachchhas). Nannayya's specific religious affiliation is not definitively established from the available records.
Where can I read Nannayya's grammar?
The original Sanskrit work is lost; it is known only through references in later works, such as Appa Kavi's commentaries.
Are there any statues of Nannayya?
Several in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including at the Telugu University (Hyderabad) and near the Nannayya Park in Rajahmundry (Andhra).
Is the Patacheru inscription really Nannayya?
Yes. The inscription names "Nannaya Bhatta" and describes him as an astrologer. Given the date (1127 CE) and title, it is almost certainly the same person as the poet.
References & Further Reading
- Wikipedia – Nannayya
- Telugu Mahabharatam – Kavitrayam
- Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XII (includes Nandampudi grant)
- Annual Reports of the Archaeological Survey of India (1900–1910) – references to Patacheru inscription.
- Bhattaraka tradition – research articles on Shaiva (Kalamukha) and Jaina (Digambara) monastic lineages.