Life and Works of Poet Somadeva Suri
Author : Dr. Sandeveni Thirupathi and Kundarapu Sathish
Abstract :
Telangana has been a cradle of vibrant literary traditions, with significant contributions across multiple languages. Among its most illustrious figures is Somadeva Suri, a Jain monk, philosopher, and Sanskrit scholar who flourished during the reign of the Chalukyas of Vemulawada. His seminal work, Yashastilaka Champu Kavyam (959 CE), composed during a southern campaign with King Vagaraja, stands as one of the earliest and most comprehensive champu (mixed prose and verse) works in Sanskrit. This text is notable for its philosophical depth, interreligious comparisons, and portrayal of medieval Indian culture. Somadeva also authored the political and ethical treatise Nitivakyamritam, hailed as a counterpart to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, and translated Guṇaḍhya’s Brihatkatha into Kathasaritsagara. His association with Jain centres such as Gangadhara and the Tribhuvana Tilaka Basadi established him as a key figure in Telangana’s intellectual landscape. Supported by kings like Arikesari II, Vagaraja, and Baddega II, Somadeva influenced not only Sanskrit but also Telugu literary traditions. His legacy, preserved in key manuscript collections, reflects the literary, philosophical, and cultural heights reached in Telangana during the Chalukya era. His works merit renewed attention for their potential to revitalise classical Sanskrit studies and to illuminate the region’s literary heritage.
Keywords :
Somadeva Suri, Yashastilaka Champu, Telangana literary history, Jain literature, Nitivakyamritam, Chalukyas of Vemulawada, Sanskrit Champu poetry.
