Kannada literature, right from the classical period, has a remarkable tradition in portraying the patriotic sentiment in its various genres. Present particularly in folk literature in the form of ballads ( lavanis ), this sentiment played a prominent role in the freedom struggle.
The folk songs and plays depicted the heroic deeds of freedom fighters like Kittur Rani Chennamma and Sangolli Rayanna. While praising the martyrs, they also highlighted the tyranny of the British rulers and thereby inspired the masses to revolt against the alien rule.
The first of the two parts in the book presents as many as 51 modern poets, while the second contains seven compositions by folk poets. The time span it covers is close to one hundred years, beginning from the second half of the 19th century.
Panje Mangesh Rau's poem gives a clarion call to the people to wake up from slumber by invoking the valorous deeds of the epic heroes Karna and Parasurama.
The poems of Govinda Pai, Bendre, Vinayaka, Kayyara Kinjanna Rai, Kadengodlu Shankara Bhat and several others are charged with patriotism. Kuvempu proclaims, “Drive away, far away hundreds of gods, Bharatamata is our only goddess today.” The book will be a worthwhile addition to one's collection.
