Vikramārjuna Vijaya

The Vikramārjuna Vijaya, also known as the Pampa-Bhārata, is an epic poem composed by the 10th-century Kannada poet Pampa. This work is a retelling of the ancient Indian epic, the Mahābhārata, with a particular focus on the hero Arjuna. Pampa, considered the adikavi (first poet) of the Kannada language, used this epic to liken his royal patron, Arikesari, to Arjuna. The poem is noted for its powerful characterizations, vivid descriptions of the land and court, and its skillful blend of Sanskrit and Kannada literary traditions. While the Vikramārjuna Vijaya is a secular work, Pampa also wrote the Adipurana, which expounds Jain teachings.12