Kannada language novelist, playwright late K. Shivaram Karanth. He was an Indian polymath, who was a novelist in Kannada language, playwright and an ecological conservationist. Ramachandra Guha called him the “Rabindranath Tagore of Modern India, who has been one of the finest novelists-activists since independence. Karanth was an intellectual and environmentalist who made notable contribution to the art and culture of Karnataka.
He is considered one of the most influential novelists in the Kannada language. His novels Marali Mannige, Bettada Jeeva, Alida Mele, Mookajjiya Kanasugalu, Mai Managala Suliyalli, Ade Ooru Ade Mara, Shaneeshwarana Neralinalli, Kudiyara Koosu, Svapnada Hole, Sarsammana Samadhi, and Chomana Dudi are widely read and have received critical acclaim. He wrote two books on Karnataka’s ancient stage dance-drama Yakshagana.
Karanth was a successful novelist and a playwright (having written thirty one plays). He was also a great lover of art and has written thirteen books on art including one on Chalukyan sculpture and architecture. He is the author of encyclopaedias for both adults and children besides having written about two hundred and forty books for children. He has also scripted an autobiography.
