Mysore and Coorg from the Inscriptions c11.14

c11.14

Every one knows or has heard of the extraordinary feats of memory performed by certain natives of India. References to such accomplishments occur in some of the inscriptions. In 1103 is mentioned (Sk 98) Malli-dēva, known as the Niṭalāksha (Īśvara) among *āśu-kavī* (fast or extempore poets). Of him it is said that if two persons from different sides should come towards him writing it down from the end (that is, backwards) and reading it out, he would arrange the poem so read out, whatever the subject might be, as a new poem. He would also repeat four stories from hearing them related (simultaneously); and make calculations in any number of given figures. All this he was able to do by mental effort alone. In 1223 is mentioned (Cn 203) Viśvanātha, who could write letters with both hands (at once), and go through (at the same time) a hundred mnemonic feats (these are known as *śatavadhāna*), so that the learned men who examined him nodded their heads (in approval). In 1079 there was the minister Nakulāryya, who was learned in writing four languages (Cn 99); but this is not exceptionally wonderful. In 1344 there was Sōma, who was a successful poet in eight languages (Mb 158, Gd 46).