Ranna (Kannada poet)

Ranna
Born
Ranna

949
Died1020(1020-00-00) (aged 70–71)
OccupationKannada Poet
Notable workSahasa Bhima Vijaya (Gadayuddha)
Parents
  • Jinavallabha (father)
  • Abbalabbe (mother)

Ranna (c. 949–1020) was one of the earliest and most celebrated Kannada poets, regarded as one of the "three gems" (Ratnatraya) of classical Kannada literature along with Adikavi Pampa and Ponna (poet) He flourished in the Western Chalukya court of Tailapa II and his successor Satyashraya, in what is now Karnataka, India. Ranna is renowned for his sophisticated style, martial themes, and deep Jain influence. He is best known for his two major surviving works: "Sahasa Bhima Vijaya" (also known as "Gadayuddha") and "Ajitha Purana" (Ajitanatha purana) about the second tirthankar of Jainism.