Adikavi

Adikavi is an honorific title used in Indian literature to designate the earliest or founding poet of a language or literary tradition. The term is derived from Sanskrit adi, meaning “first,” and kavi, meaning “poet.” It signals a foundational contribution that established the stylistic and thematic direction of a literary lineage.

In Kannada literature, Adikavi is most commonly associated with Pampa, a 10th-century poet regarded as the first Kannada poet. His major works include Adipurana, a narrative of the life of the first Jain Tirthankara, and Vikramarjuna Vijaya (also known as Pampa Bharata), which helped establish Kannada epic poetry and narrative technique. He is frequently referred to as Adikavi Pampa in recognition of this pioneering status.

In Telugu literature, the title is conferred on Nannaya Bhattu, traditionally regarded as the first poet of the Telugu language. He began the translation and adaptation of the Mahabharata into Telugu, known as Andhra Mahabharatam, thereby laying the groundwork for classical Telugu poetry. Nannaya is widely known as Adikavi Nannaya.

The term Adikavi is also used more broadly in other South Indian languages and in scholarly contexts to honor early poets who founded or shaped a linguistic literary tradition. It remains a descriptive title rather than the name of a single contemporary figure, reflecting the historical significance of pioneering poets in language literatures.