The Telugu poet Allasani Peddana, one of the 'Ashtadiggajas', was given the title 'Andhra Kavita Pitamaha' (Grandfather of Telugu poetry) by:

The Telugu poet Allasani Peddana was given the title "Andhra Kavita Pitamaha" ("Grandfather of Telugu Poetry") by the Vijayanagara ruler Krishnadeva Raya.

About Allasani Peddana:

• He was the foremost of the eight great poets (the "Ashtadiggajas") at Krishnadeva Raya's court.
• He was born in the late 15th century, in the Rayalaseema region (present-day Andhra Pradesh).
• He is regarded as the first poet to write a "prabandha" (an independent, elaborate narrative poem) in Telugu, rather than a translation.

His most famous work:

• "Manucharitramu" (also called "Svarochisha Manusambhavamu"): it tells the story of Svarochisha Manu, the second Manu, based on a story from the Markandeya Purana.
• It is one of the greatest works of Telugu literature.

Honours received:

• Krishnadeva Raya respected him greatly.
• According to tradition, the king himself helped carry Peddana's palanquin as a mark of honour.
• He was given gifts and a golden anklet ("gandapenderam").
• After Krishnadeva Raya's death, Peddana is said to have written a moving verse expressing his grief.

The Ashtadiggajas (eight great poets):

• Allasani Peddana, Nandi Timmana ("Parijatapaharanamu"), Dhurjati, Madayyagari Mallana, Ayyalaraju Ramabhadrudu, Pingali Surana, Ramarajabhushanudu (Bhattumurti) and Tenali Ramakrishna.
• The name comes from the eight mythical elephants believed to support the earth in the eight directions.

The golden age of Telugu literature:

• Krishnadeva Raya's reign is regarded as the golden age of Telugu literature.
• The prabandha style became popular in this period.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Deva Raya II, Rama Raya and Venkata II were other Vijayanagara rulers.