Question

Ashtadiggaja flourished in the court of _____
A) Devaraya II
B) Sadasiva Raya
C) Saluva Narasimha
D) Sri Krishna Devaraya

Answer 1

Hint:
-He was a ruler from the Vijayanagara Dynasty and ruled from 1509-1529.
-He had the largest empire, just after the Delhi Sultanate declined.

Complete answer:
The Ashtadiggaja flourished in the court of Emperor Sri Krishna Devaraya. The word ashtadiggajas is made of two words, ashta meaning ‘eight’ and diggaja meaning ‘great’. The ashtadiggajas were eight Telugu scholars and poets who were present in the court of Emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya.

It was during his reign that Telugu literature reached its peak. The ashtadiggajas were also referred to as the eight pillars of his literary assembly. The members are mentioned below along with their works;
Allasani Peddana – Swaarochisha Manu Sambhav

Dhurjati – Kalahasti Mahatyamu
Nandi Thimmana – Parijataapaharanam
Madayyagari Mallana – Rajasekhara Charitramu
Ayyalaraju Ramabhadrudu - Ramaabhyudayamu
Tenali Ramakrishna – Ghatikachala Mahatyam
Pilgali Surana – Raghavapandaveeyamu
Ramarajabhushanudu – Kavyalankarasangrahamu

During their time, a new form of literature also emerged which was known as the prabandha. It added fiction and omissions from prior original stories. The Ashtadiggaja used poems or stories from older works or puranas and used them as a plot for writing major or epic literary works.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (D) Sri Krishna Devaraya.

Note:
-The most well-known Ashtadiggaja is Tenali Ramakrishna, also known as Tenali Rama.
-Other than being a learned scholar, he was also known for his mighty wit.
-Ever since the advent of filmmaking, there have been several movies on Tenali Rama.
-The children in the 21st century can also watch cartoon shows on Tenali Rama, which are based on his exceptional use of knowledge and wit.