(also known as Kavi Choudappa), a poet believed to have lived during the 16th or 17th century, contemporary with the later Vijayanagara period. Overview of the Satakam

"If you give food to a hungry man, he will curse you for not adding ghee. If you lend money to a poor man, he will dream of owning your house. Oh, Mind! Look at this world—even the snake you step on will forgive you, but a man whose ego you bruise? Never."

(humorous) elements that were unconventional for the standard religious literature of the time. Significance in Telugu Literature

The meter used is typically the Kanda Padyam (a specific poetic meter), but Chowdappa bends the rules of grammar and meter to suit the rhythm of rural speech. This is "Mandalika," the dialect of the regions, likely Rayalaseema or the borders of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

While Vemana says, "The world is a dream, wake up" , Chowdappa says, "The landlord is a thief, beat him with your words."

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"The priest chants the Vedas, but his belly burns for the offering of rice; the landlord wears a silk turban, but his mind races for the widow’s land."

Note: The verses on women are problematic by modern standards; Chowdappa sometimes reflects the patriarchal bias of his age, though he does criticize dowry cruelty severely.

To understand the intellectual depth of Chowdappa Satakam, one must realize it is written from the perspective of the powerless. The poet does not preach non-violence (like Buddha) or detachment (like Vemana). He preaches exposure .

Today, the remains a staple of Telugu literature. Scholars study it to understand the transition from classical to folk-style poetry. Kavi Choudappa Satakam (rendered into English) -(2)