EDITORIAL NOTE
The present work Yuddhakanda, which forms the fourth volume completes the publication of Ramayanam by Katta Varadaraju of the post-Krishnaraya period in Telugu. This publication is a land mark in the history of Dwipada Kavya Literature in general and Ramayana Literature in particular, and is unique in many respects. This work settles not only the disputed text of Ranganatharamayana published by the Andhra University, but also helps to restore some portions of the text of Tallapaka Annamacharya's Dwipada Ramayana, which is now considered to be lost. It further gives a fresh impetus for the study of the influence of Vaishnavism, in Telugu and eventually the evolution of Ramayana Literature in Telugu.
My thanks are due to the Government of Madras, and the Telugu Expert Committee for having entrusted to me the heavy responsibility of editing this voluminous work; to the Syndicate of the Madras University for having kindly permitted me to undertake its editorship. I have to specially thank Sri S. Gopalan, Honorary Secretary, T. M. S. S. M, Library for the very many facilities given to me, and for the assistance rendered by the Library Staff especially the Telugu Pandits in preparing the Press Copy. I must also thank the Rathnam Press, Madras in this connection, for the excellent manner in which the publication is brought out.
Lastly, the Telugu Literary World is ever indebted to Sri B. Gopala Redddi Garu, the former Finance Minister of the Madras State and the present Pro-Chancellor of the Andhra University, for placing the necessary funds at the disposal of the Tanjore Library, and enabling them to complete the work, as otherwise it would have never seen the light of day in its present form. He evinced a keen interest in the work from the beginning to the end, and watched its progress throughout. I am always, and will ever be grateful to him for having inspired and encouraged me in editing and in bringing to light, this most outstanding work of Ramayana Literature in Telugu.
N. VENKATA RAO
Head of the department of Telugu,
University of Madras,
