In conversation with K. Marulasidappa, Kannada poet, scholar and theatre exponent
Kannada poet, scholar and theatre exponent K. Marulasiddappa speaks about the origins of Kannada literature in Jaina literature and philosophy, as opposed to Vedic origins. The shift to Shaivite traditions, the development of a parallel Vaishnavite tradition and the evolution of musical systems that came to be known in time as Karnataka Sangeeta, are explained. Additionally, he dwells upon the form and structure of vachanas and keertanas and the prevalence of women poets throughout the Vachana movement. Finally, he speaks about the 19th-century movement of poets known as the Tattwopadakaras and the eminent position of folk epics in Kannada literature.
