Literature is a part of the heritage of India. Indian literature exists in varied languages. Various Indians skilled in writing have contributed in creating this part of India"s heritage in the form of stories, novels, prose, essays, etc using varied languages. Kannada language literature is no exception in this regard. A noteworthy aspect of this literature is poetry written by eminent poets. Some of these poets and their works are described below.

K. S. Narasimhaswamy
K. S. Narasimhaswamy is recognized as a Kannada language poet. The popularity of a collection of poems called Mysooru Mallige can be estimated from the number (more than thirty two) of its reprints. It is considered to be an ideal gift for newly married couples in Karnataka. Inspired by Robert Burns, Narasimhaswamy wrote love poems, which stood out in the repertoire of Kannada poetry of the time highlighting nature and the natural world. Some of the poetry collections of K. S. Narasimhaswamy are Ungura, Deepada Malli, Shilaalathe, Tereda Baagilu and Maneyinda Manege.

Gopalakrishna Adiga
Gopalakrishna Adiga is considered to be a significant part of the modern Kannada poetry. Modern Indian literature over five decades received influential contributions of Adiga in terms of essays, translations and poems. Adiga, the pioneer of new style poetry has a collection of poems called Samagra Kavya and Idanna Bayasiralilla as significant part of his literary works. Some of his other contributions are a book of essays called Mannina Vasane, a novel called Ananthe and a magazine called Sakshi.

Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa
Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa, also known as Kuvempu, is a recognized Kannada poet, novelist, playwright, critic and thinker. The names of some of his poems are Ikshugangotri (1957), Navilu (1937), Kutichaka, Kadiradake and Kruttike.

S. R. Ekkundi
S. R. Ekkundi with the pen name of Su Ra Ekkundi specializes as a poet, short story writer and a teacher. Some of the poems written by S. R. Ekkundi are Ladhak Irali Nepa Irali, Matsyagandhi, Kathan Kavyagalu, Bellakkigalu and Havadigan Hudug. In a book called Bellaki Hindu, a collection of poems was released in the year 2008. Neralu and Erdu Russian Kadambrigalu (translated from Russian to English to Kannada) are his noteworthy works of fiction.

D. V. Gundappa
D. V. Gundappa is recognized as a Kannada writer, philosopher and journalist. He has showcased his mastery in writing poetry (like Vasantha Kusumanjali, Marula Muniyana Kagga, Antahpura, Nivedana (1942), Geete, Geetha Shaakuntala and Mankuthimmana Kagga), essays, drama, children`s literature, etc.

Other Kannada Poets
Some of the other Kannada Poets are Sarvajna, Ranna, T. N. Srikantaiah and Mamta Sagar.