Tenali Rama

Tenali Ramalinga or Tenali Rama, as he was called belonged to a town called Tenali. Tenali Rama was a famous poet in King Rayalu’s court and was one of the eight poets called ‘Ashta Diggaja’ which literally means elephants who take care of all the eight sides. This group of eight poets was invincible for any scholar or Master of Arts and Sciences in those days and Tenali outshone the other seven.

Tenali was famous for his sternness and the sarcastic wit with which he punctured the pride of others. Tenali protected King Rayalu’s pride and prestige on many occasions and came to his rescue in grave situations. Legend also has it that it was Tenali who protected the Vijaya Nagar Empire from the Delhi Sultans with his timely wit and his clever strategy.

The tales of Tenali Rama showcase the wit, intellect and strategic timing of Tenali’s humour combined with the lifestyle and the rule of King Rayalu.