Harihara | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12th century CE |
| Died | 12th or 13th century CE |
| Occupation(s) | Poet, Writer |
| Works | Girija-kalyana |
| Title | Utsava Kavi |
Harihara (or Harisvara) (Kannada: ಹರಿಹರ) was a noted Kannada poet and writer in the 12th century. A native of Halebidu in modern Hassan district, he came from a family of accountants (Karnikas)[1] and initially served in that capacity in the court of Hoysala King Narasimha I (r.1152–1173 CE).[2] Later, he moved to Hampi and authored many landmark classics. Among his important writings, the Girijakalyana written in champu metre (mixed prose-verse) is considered one of the enduring classics of Kannada language.[3]