Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Description: Adikavi Pampa, known as Pratham Kavi, is an important figure in 10th-century Kannada literature from Karnataka. He served as the court poet for King Arikesari II of the Vemulavada Chalukya dynasty, who was a supporter of King Krishna III from the Rashtrakuta dynasty. Pampa’s works continue to inspire literature today. He was born between 902 AD and 950 AD in Annigeri, near the Varada River. Annigeri is famous for the Amruteshwara Temple, built by the Western Chalukya Empire. This temple has 76 columns featuring mythological figures and includes a shrine for Parshva, the 23rd Tirthankara in Jainism. Pampa’s family background connects to Vengi Mandal and adds richness to his heritage. 

As a member of the Srivatsa gotra of Alida Jamadagni Pancharsheya Pravara, Pampa showed remarkable skill in his epic works: "Vikramarjuna Vijaya," "Pampa Bharata," and "Adi Purana," all written in Champu style. The Kannada people celebrate him as the initiator of a literary revival, calling this time "Pampayuga." In "Adi Purana," Pampa tells the life story of Rishabha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism, over sixteen chapters. This story highlights the significant struggle between Bharata and Bahubali and the important theme of renunciation. It has 16 chapters and 1,630 verses, reflecting Jain values and appealing to a broad audience. Pampa’s later work, "Vikramarjuna Vijaya" (Pampa Bharata), is a key text in Kannada literature. It is the oldest and most famous retelling of the Mahabharata, spanning 14 chapters and 1,609 verses. 

Through this work, Pampa draws meaningful comparisons between his hero, Arjuna, and his ally, Arikesari. This epic not only tells a story but also captures the culture, civilisation, and daily life of Pampa’s time. His writing reflects the beauty of nature, the joys of life, and the importance of education and tradition. The Mangalore Postal Division honoured his legacy with a postcard in the "Jina Ratna Bhushanaru" series for "Kannada Rajyotsava - 2022." Pampa’s works continue to inspire people across generations.