Introduction
Masti Venkatesha Iyengar (6 June 1891 – 6 June 1986) was a prominent writer in the Kannada language, known for his exceptional short stories. He was the fourth Kannada writer to receive the Jnanpith Award, the highest literary honor in India, and was affectionately referred to as Maasti Kannadada Aasti, meaning "Maasti, Kannada's Treasure." He often wrote under the pen name Srinivasa and was honored with the title Rajasevasakta by Maharaja Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadeyar.
1. Early Life and Education
Masti was born on 6 June 1891 in Hungenahalli, Kolar district, Karnataka, into a Tamil-speaking Sri Vaishnavaite Iyengar Brahmin family. He spent his early childhood in Maasti village and obtained a Master's degree in English Literature from Madras University in 1914. After joining the Indian Civil Service (known as the Mysore Civil Service), he held various administrative positions and eventually resigned in 1943 to protest against not being promoted to a ministerial position.
2. Literary Works
Masti published his first work, Rangana Maduve, in 1910. His first significant contribution to modern Kannada literature was Kelavu Sanna Kathegalu ("Some Short Stories"). Over his prolific career spanning seventy years, he wrote more than 123 books in Kannada and 17 in English, including:
Epics:
- Shri Rama Pattabisheka (Coronation of Shri Ram)
Novels:
- Chikaveera Rajendra
- Channabasava Nayaka
- Subbana
- Sheshamma
Stories and Anthologies:
- Kelavu Sanna Kathegalu (Some Short Stories)
- Ranga's Marriage
- Venkatashami's Love Affair
Plays:
- Kakanakote
- Manjule
- Yashodhara
- Purandaradaasa
- Bhattara Magalu
- Shanthaa
Autobiography:
- Bhaava (Three Volumes)
He won the Jnanpith Award in 1983 for his novel Chikka Veera Rajendra, which tells the story of the last Rajah of Kodagu.
3. Demise
Masti Venkatesha Iyengar passed away on his 95th birthday, 6 June 1986.
4. Commemorations
In recognition of his contributions to literature, the Masti Venkatesha Iyengar Award has been awarded to distinguished writers in Karnataka since 1993. His residence in Basavanagudi, Bangalore, has been transformed into a library, and his ancestral home in Maasti village has been preserved by the Government of Karnataka. Additionally, the Masti Residential School was established in his memory in 2006–07.
5. Legacy
Masti's impact on Kannada literature is profound, and his works continue to inspire new generations of readers and writers. His storytelling and literary prowess earned him a special place in the hearts of Kannada literature enthusiasts, ensuring that his legacy endures.
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