Introduction
Kota Shivaram Karanth (10 October 1902 – 9 December 1997) was a versatile Indian novelist, playwright, and ecological conservationist in the Kannada language. Ramachandra Guha described him as the "Rabindranath Tagore of Modern India", recognizing his contributions as one of the finest novelists and activists in post-independence India. Karanth became the third Kannada writer to be honored with the Jnanpith Award, the most prestigious literary award in India.
1. Birth and Early Life (1902–1997)
Shivaram Karanth was born on 10 October 1902 in Kota, near Kundapura, Karnataka, to a Smartha Brahmin family. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's ideals, he actively participated in the Indian Independence movement, especially the Non-cooperation movement, which led him to leave college in 1922. His deep involvement with the khadi and swadeshi movements marked his early activism.
2. Literary Career and Works
Karanth's literary journey began in 1924, and his first novel, Vichitrakoota, soon followed. His writings were known for addressing social issues and the struggles of the underprivileged, evident in works like Nirbhagya Janma ("Unfortunate Birth") and Sooleya Samsara ("Family of a Prostitute"). His magnum opus, Devaddhootaru, a satire on contemporary India, was published in 1928.
Karanth's most acclaimed works include:
- Mookajjiya Kanasugalu (Jnanpith-winning novel)
- Marali Mannige ("Back to the Soil")
- Bettada Jeeva ("Life in the Hills")
- Chomana Dudi ("Drum of Choma")
- Sarasammana Samadhi ("Grave of Sarasamma")
In total, Karanth wrote 47 novels, 31 plays, 13 books on art, nine encyclopedias, and numerous essays, short stories, and poems. His versatility extended beyond literature into the realms of art and environmental activism.
3. Environmental Advocacy and Polymathic Contributions
As an ecological conservationist, Karanth's passion for nature led to several writings on environmental issues, including books on birds, wildlife, and the impact of nuclear energy on the environment. His involvement with Yakshagana, Karnataka's traditional dance-drama, resulted in two influential books on the subject.
Karanth's intellectual curiosity spanned across various disciplines, as reflected in his experimentation with printing techniques in the 1930s and 1940s, though financial struggles followed.
4. Personal Life
Karanth married Leela Alva in 1936, an inter-caste union that drew criticism from orthodox circles. Leela became his partner in both life and art, assisting in his operas and re-learning Kannada to translate Marathi works. The couple had four children: Harsha, Ullas (a conservationist), Malavika, and Kshama. Despite personal tragedies, such as the loss of their eldest son Harsha, Karanth continued his literary and environmental work until his death.
Karanth passed away on 9 December 1997 at the age of 95 due to complications from viral fever and cardiac arrest. The government of Karnataka declared two days of mourning in his honor.
5. Honors and Awards
Karanth's contribution to literature and environmental activism earned him numerous accolades, including:
- Jnanpith Award (1978)
- Padma Bhushan (1968) (which he returned in protest against the Emergency)
- Sahitya Akademi Award (1959)
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1973)
- Rajyotsava Prashasti (1986)
- Pampa Award (1989)
- Dadabhai Nauroji Award (1990)
His Mookajjiya Kanasugalu remains one of the most celebrated novels in Kannada literature.
6. Legacy
Karanth’s home in Puttur, Karnataka, is now a memorial called Shivarama Karantha Balavana, housing a museum, park, and recreation center dedicated to his memory. His works continue to be widely read and have been translated into multiple languages, cementing his legacy as one of Kannada's greatest writers.
