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INTRODUCTION

The following pages are a part of the Supplement to my "Interpretation of Literature." They deal with the present day poetry. In the Telugu country we are having productions in verse and prose in large numbers though there is not a corresponding widening of the reading circle. Even in the limited circles, the influence of poetry on not only the rise and growth of the noble qualities but also on the moral and intellectual prosperity of a nation is not inconsiderable. What is the nature of the poetry that we meet at every corner of our country to-day? What is the relation of this poetry with ourlife real and ideal? What is its effect upon us Telugus as a race? We, Andhras, as Indians are proud of the heritage of the culture and civilisation of our Ancient india. Are we in line with that cultural advancement? Or are we falling? Such considerations led me to inquire into ous literature past and present. The old literature does not come under this as it was dealt with in the previous part of the work.

I shall briefly mention here some of the facts which will be observed during the course of iny investigation in the following pages. The highest end of Indian art, at any rate of poetic art, is the guidance of human activities preceded by unstained pleasure for the blissful conduct of the world for a supreme goal. There is not much truth in the argument that guidance of human activities or Dharma is outside the province of aesthetics and that are stands by itself. No noble art can stand by itself without a high purpose behind it. Even such as yield mere amusement and satisfaction of a particular kind of sentiment are acceptable only so far as they do not appeal to the ugly qualities of human heart. No art is worth the name if it does not at least refine the grosser feelings of humanity. When it does, it cannot escape the extensive province of Dharma in its varied aspects. I do not like to go into the