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{{Short description|Indian Kannada writer}}
{{Infobox Writer <!-- for more information see [[:Template:Infobox Writer/doc]] -->
{{Other uses|Karanth (disambiguation)}}
|bgcolour = silver
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
|name = K. Shivarama Karantha
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}}
|image = Shivaramakaranth.jpg <!-- FAIR USE of Shivaramakaranth.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Shivaramakaranth.jpg for rationale -->
{{Infobox writer <!-- for more information see [[:Template:Infobox writer/doc]] -->
|caption = © Kamat's Potpourri
| name = Shivaram Karanth
|pseudonym =
| image = ಶಿವರಾಮ ಕಾರಂತ.jpg
|birthdate = {{birth date|1902|10|10|df=y}}
| image_size = 225px
|birthplace = Saligrama, [[Kundapura|Kundapura taluk]], [[Udupi district]], [[Karnataka]]
| caption =
|deathdate = {{death date and age|1997|12|9|1902|10|10|df=y}}
| pseudonym =
|deathplace = [[Manipal]], [[Udupi district]], [[Karnataka]]
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1902|10|10}}
|occupation = [[Writer]], [[Film director]], [[Journalist]]
|nationality = [[India]]
| birth_place = Kota, [[Udupi district|Udupi]], [[India]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|1997|12|9|1902|10|10}}
|period = 1902-1997
| death_place = [[Manipal]], [[Karnataka]], India
|genre = Fiction, Popular science, Literature for children
| occupation = Novelist, playwright, conservationist<ref>{{cite web |title=Karanth: Myriad-minded "Monarch of the Seashore" |url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19971210/34450343.html |publisher=The Indian Express |access-date=4 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991008191115/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19971210/34450343.html |archive-date=8 October 1999 |date=10 December 1997}}</ref><ref name="chandra"/>
|subject =
| nationality = Indian
|movement = [[Kannada literature#Navodaya (New birth)|Navodaya]]
| period = 1924–1997<ref name="pampa"/>
|debut_works = Bettada Jeeva
| genre = Fiction, popular science, literature for children, dance-drama
|influences = [[M.K. Gandhi]]
|influenced =
| subject =
| movement = [[Kannada literature#Navodaya (New birth)|Navodaya]]
|signature =
|website =
| influenced =
| spouse = {{marriage|Leela Alva|6 May 1936|22 September 1986}}
|footnotes =
| children = 4; including [[K. Ullas Karanth|Ullas]]
| signature =
}}
}}


'''Kota Shivaram Karanth''' (10 October 1902 – 9 December 1997), also abbreviated as '''K. Shivaram Karanth''', was an Indian [[polymath]], who was a novelist in [[Kannada language]], [[playwright]] and an ecological [[conservation movement|conservationist]]. [[Ramachandra Guha]] called him the "Rabindranath Tagore of Modern India, who has been one of the finest novelists-activists since independence".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20020626122257/http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/26/stories/13260411.htm The Arun Shourie of the left]. Thehindu.com (26 November 2000). Retrieved on 2018-11-15.</ref> He was the third writer<ref>{{cite web
{{otheruses|Karanth (disambiguation)}}

'''Kota Shivaram Karanth''' ([[Kannada]]:ಕೋಟಾ ಶಿವರಾಮ ಕಾರಂತ ) ([[October 10]], [[1902]] - [[December 9]], [[1997]]) was a major [[Kannada language|Kannada]] [[writer]], social activist, [[environmentalist]], [[Yakshagana]] artist, movie maker and [[thinker]]. He was described as the "finest novelist-activist of modern India"<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2000/11/26/stories/13260411.htm The Arun Shourie of the left]</ref> by [[Ramachandra Guha]]. He was the third person among seven recipients<ref>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| title = Jnanapeeth Awards
| title = Jnanapeeth Awards
| url = http://ekavi.org/jnanpeeth.htm
| url = http://ekavi.org/jnanpeeth.htm
| publisher = Ekavi
| publisher = Ekavi
| accessdate = 2006-10-31 }}
| access-date = 31 October 2006
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060427081930/http://www.ekavi.org/jnanpeeth.htm
</ref> of [[Jnanpith_Award]] for [[Kannada language|Kannada]] the highest literary honour conferred in [[India]]. He was conferred [[Padma Bhushan]] by Government of India which later he returned in protest against the Emergency imposed by [[Indira Gandhi]].
| archive-date=27 April 2006}}
</ref> to be decorated with the [[Jnanpith Award]] for [[Kannada language|Kannada]], the highest literary honor conferred in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jnanpith.net/laureates/index.html |title=Jnanpith Laureates Official listings |publisher=[[Jnanpith]] Website |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013122739/http://jnanpith.net/laureates/index.html |archive-date=13 October 2007 }}</ref> His son [[K. Ullas Karanth|Ullas]] is an ecological conservationist.<ref name="pampa">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/dec/09kar.htm|title=Shivarama Karanth is dead|publisher=Rediff on the Net|date=9 December 1997 |access-date=23 November 2014}}</ref>


== Early life ==
==Early life==
Shivaram Karanth was born in Kota in [[Kundapura taluk]] of [[Udupi district]] of [[Karnataka]] to a native [[Kannada language|Kannada]] family. Being the fifth child to his parents Shesha Karantha and Lakshmamma, he completed his primary education in [[Kundapura]] and [[Mangalore]]. Shivaram Karanth was influenced by [[Gandhism|Gandhi's principles]] and took part in [[Indian Independence movement]] while he was in college. He left his degree half way to participate in the [[Non-cooperation movement]]. He worked for [[khadi]] and [[swadeshi]] for five years, till about [[1927]]. By that time Karanth had already started writing [[fiction]]-detective novels, to begin with — as well as [[Play (theatre)|plays]]. <ref>{{cite web
Shivaram Karanth was born on 10 October 1902,<ref name=bennur/> in Kota near [[Kundapur]]a in the [[Udupi district]] of [[Karnataka]] to a [[Kannada language|Kannada]]-speaking [[Smarta tradition|Smartha]] [[Brahmin]] family. {{citation needed|date=December 2023}} The fifth child of his parents Shesha Karantha and Lakshmamma, he completed his primary education in [[Kundapura]] and [[Bangalore]]. {{citation needed|date=December 2023}}Shivaram Karanth was influenced by [[Gandhism|Gandhi's principles]] and took part in the [[Indian Independence movement]] when he was in college. His participation in the [[Non-cooperation movement (1909–22)|Non-cooperation movement]] did not allow him to complete his college education which he quit in February 1922. He canvassed for [[khadi]] and [[swadeshi]] in Karnataka led by [[Indian National Congress]] leader [[Karnad Sadashiva Rao]],<ref name="SER">{{cite book |last1=Rāmacandran |first1=Si En |title=K. Shivarama Karanth |date=2001 |publisher=Sahitya Akademi |isbn=9788126010714 |pages=7–22 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QHAh40PA5k8C |access-date=4 November 2018 |language=en}}</ref> for five years till 1927.<ref name=bennur/> By that time, Karanth had already started writing fiction novels and plays.<ref name=bennur>{{cite web
| last =
| last =Guha
| first =
| first =Ramachandra
| title = The Kannada colossus
| title = The Kannada colossus
| url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2002/10/13/stories/2002101300330300.htm
| url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2002/10/13/stories/2002101300330300.htm
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030115034412/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2002/10/13/stories/2002101300330300.htm
| publisher = The Hindu
| accessdate = 2006-11-24 }}
| url-status = usurped
| archive-date = 15 January 2003
</ref> He married ''Leela Karanth'' when he was well past 30.
| work = The Hindu|date=13 October 2002
| access-date = 24 November 2006 }}
</ref>


== Career ==
==Career==
Karanth began writing in 1924 and soon published his first book, ''Rashtrageetha Sudhakara'', a collection of poems. His first novel was ''Vichitrakoota''. Subsequent works like ''Nirbhagya Janma'' ("Unfortunate Birth") and ''Sooleya Samsara'' ("Family of a Prostitute") mirrored the pathetic conditions of the poor. His magnum opus ''Devaddhootaru'', a satire on contemporary India, was published in 1928.<ref name="pampa"/>
Karanth was an intellectual and environmentalist who tremendously contributed to art and culture of [[Karnataka]]. He may be called No. One novelist in Kannada, as some of his novels are outstanding e.g., Marali Mannige, Bettada Jeeva, Alida Mele, Mookajjiya Kanasu, Chomana Dudi. In total he has written 42 novels and it is said that he tried to write at least one nevel per year! His contribution to revival of [[Yakshagana]] will forever be remembered. [[Yakshagana]]-Bayalata (1958) in [[Kannada language|Kannada]], and [[Yakshagana]](1975) are two of his masterpiece books on [[Yakshagana]]. He tried to revive this age old semi-folk art and made some experiments in Yakshagana using Byale and other modern form of dances. He took Yakshagana troops to European countries which was a unique effort to in those days. He also made experiments in printing during 1930 - 40s and printed his own novels, but lost heavily. Interestingly, his earlier novels have cover pages of art work made by himself and this fact, that the novelist drawing the cover page of his own books may be a unique record in modern literature! At the age of 95, he wrote a book on birds (published during 2002 by Manohara Grantha Mala, Dharwad) and this may also be a world record of some sorts!


Karanth was an intellectual and environmentalist who made notable contribution to the art and culture of [[Karnataka]].<ref name=bennur/> 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.<ref name=bennur/> He wrote two books on Karnataka's ancient stage dance-drama ''[[Yakshagana]]'' (1957 and 1975). {{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
He was the winner of [[Padma Bhushan]] and [[Jnanpith_Award|Janapith]] awards.


He was involved in experiments in the technique of printing for some years in the 1930s and 1940s and printed his own novels, but incurred financial losses. He was also a painter and was deeply concerned with the issue of nuclear energy and its impact on the environment.<ref name="thehindu.com">[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/a-walk-through-the-life-of-karanth/article4454393.ece A walk through the life of Karanth – KARNATAKA]. The Hindu (26 February 2013). Retrieved on 2018-11-15.</ref> At the age of 90, he wrote a book on birds (published during 2002 by Manohara Grantha Mala, Dharwad).{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}}
His work includes 42 [[novels]], 31 [[Play (theatre)|plays]], Four [[short stories]], Six books of [[essays]] and [[sketches]], thirteen books on art, including a history of world art in Kannada and an authoritative work on [[Badami Chalukya Architecture|Chalukyan sculpture and architecture]], A standard treatise on the [[Yakshagana]], with which dramatic form, his name is identified, A three volume book of knowledge for children, A four volume [[encyclopedia]] on science for grown ups, 240 children's books Six books on travel, Two books on birds Three Travelogues and the list is still incomplete.


He wrote, apart from his forty-seven novels, thirty-one plays, four short story collections, six books of essays and [[sketch (drawing)|sketches]], thirteen books on art, two volumes of poems, nine encyclopedias, and over one hundred articles on various issues.<ref name="thehindu.com"/> His [[Mookajjiya Kanasugalu (novel)|''Mookajjiya Kanasugalu'']] novel won Jnanpith award. {{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
==Effect of his works==
He was awarded [[Jnanpith_Award | Jnanapith]] for his book "Mookajjiya Kanasugalu"(literally means "the dreams of a mute grandmother") which tries to unveil the secrets of nature. Being himself a non science student he has written a series of science related books which are very effective in understanding science even today.


== Personal life ==
His main literary works are ''Mookajjiya Kanasugalu'', ''Marali Mannige'', ''Chomana Dudi''[Chomana Dudi was made into a movie],''Alida Mele'', ''Bettada Jeeva'' etc. He has written an [[autobiography]], ''Hucchu Manasina Hatthu Mukhagalu''in earlier days and he wrote second part of his autobiography also!
Karanth married Leela Alva, a student in the school that Karanth taught dance and directed plays in. Leela belonged to the [[Bunt (community)|Bunt community]] and was the daughter of a businessman, K. D. Alva. They married on 6 May 1936. The couple subsequently attracted ridicule from people in the region over their [[inter-caste marriage]]; Karanth belonged to an orthodox [[Brahmin]] community, but had become an [[atheism|atheist]] after cutting his [[sacred thread]] at a young age. Leela, who had her early education in [[Marathi language]], re-learnt Kannada after marriage and translated the Marathi novel ''[[Pan Lakshat Kon Gheto]]'' into Kannada. As a dancer, she participated in Karanth's operas. The Karanths had four children together: sons, Harsha and [[K. Ullas Karanth|Ullas]], a conservationist; and daughters, Malavika and Kshama. His mother's influence on Karanth was described by Ullas as: "It was our mother who shaped Karanth's life... She was the backbone of all his endeavours. She was also quite well-read, and she dedicated all of her talents to her husband. She took care of all household responsibilities." The family lived in the [[Puttur, Karnataka]] town of [[Dakshina Kannada]], a district in the South Karnataka region, before moving to [[Saligrama, Udupi|Saligrama]], a town {{convert|2|mi|km}} from Karanth's birthplace Kota, in 1974. A few years prior to this, their eldest son Harsha died leaving Leela suffer from "depression and hallucinations". Leela died in September 1986. It was also the year that Karanth's final novel was published.<ref name="SER"/>


Karanth was admitted to [[Kasturba Medical College, Manipal|Kasturba Medical College]] in [[Manipal]] on 2 December 1997 to be treated for [[viral fever]]. He suffered from a cardiac [[respiratory arrest]] two days later and slipped into a coma. On 9 December, his [[Kidney Failure|kidneys began to fail]] and he subsequently developed severe [[acidosis]] and [[sepsis]], following which he was put on [[Kidney dialysis|dialysis]]. Efforts to revive him failed and he died at 11:35&nbsp;a.m. ([[Indian Standard Time|IST]]) the following day, aged 95.<ref name="pampa"/><ref name="death">{{cite news |title=Literary legend Karanth dead |url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19971210/34450563.html |access-date=4 November 2018 |agency=Press Trust of India |publisher=The Indian Express |date=10 December 1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030817172929/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19971210/34450563.html |archive-date=17 August 2003}}</ref> The [[government of Karnataka]] declared a two-day [[mourning]] in the State as a mark of respect.
He attempted to improve the lives of common people by entering into politics of his day, by contesting in an election, unsuccessfully, in Kalpathuru, [[Karnataka]] on the issues of environmentalism. He led a movement to oppose an Atomic energy plant at Kaiga near Karwar as the plant may pose danger to the lives of people and as it leads to destruction of forest. But the movement failed miserably and ironically, the dome of Kaiga Atomic energy plant collapsed at the time of construction itself! He is also known for strong and sharp tongue and he being a good orator, earned a nick name "Kadala Theerada Bhargava". He used to raise his voice on several issues ranging from conservation work at Hampi to Art forms of Karnataka to environmental issues.


==Popularity==
His book "Sarasammana Samadhi" deals with the "sati" system, and the cunningness and hypocrisy of the [[India|Indian society]]. It has some supernatural elements too.
Many of Karanth's novels have been translated into other Indian languages. [[Marali Mannige]] got translated to English by Padma Ramachandra Sharma, has been conferred the State Sahitya Akademi award. {{citation needed|date=December 2023}}


==Memorial==
==Conservation work==
===Shivarama Karantha Balavana===
He rescued 2 [[tiger]]-cubs from starvation when their mother was killed by poachers. He experimentally built the first children's toy-train in [[Asia]] which was later copied in [[Cubbon Park]], [[Bangalore]]. His son, [[Ullas Karanth]] continues his work in the field of environmentalism with an internationally acclaimed body of research into the ecology, [[biology]] and future of the [[tiger]] in [[India]].
[[Shivarama Karantha Balavana]] is notable for its fame under the name of the Jnanapeeta awardee Dr. K. Shivarama Karantha, who lived in Puttur. In his memory his home now houses a museum, a park, and a recreation center.<ref>{{cite web |title=Balavana |url=https://karanthabalavana.org/en/art-gallery |website=karanthabalavana.org |access-date=1 December 2022 |archive-date=1 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201022328/https://karanthabalavana.org/en/art-gallery |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Literary and national honors==
==Foray into Politics==
[[File:K. Shivaram Karanth 2003 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|Karanth on a 2003 stamp of India]]
Shivram Karanth plunged into [[Politics]] once but was defeated in the Parliament election from Canara Constituency
* [[Jnanapith Award]] – 1978<ref name="chandra">{{cite book |last=Dutt |first=Kartik Chandra |title=Who's who of Indian Writers, 1999: A-M|orig-year=1999|year=1999|publisher=Sahitya Academy |location=New Delhi|isbn=81-260-0873-3 |page=575}}</ref><ref name="tulsi"/>
* [[List of Sahitya Akademi fellows|Sahitya Akademi Fellowship]] – 1985<ref name="tulsi"/><ref name="sahitya">{{cite web|url=http://sahitya-akademi.gov.in/sahitya-akademi/fellows/fellows_and_honorary_fellows.jsp|title=Fellow and Honorary Fellows|publisher=Sahitya Akademi-National Academi of Letters|access-date=23 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701054145/http://sahitya-akademi.gov.in/sahitya-akademi/fellows/fellows_and_honorary_fellows.jsp|archive-date=1 July 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[List of Sangeet Natak Akademi fellows|Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship]] – 1973<ref name="tulsi"/><ref name="natak">{{cite web|url=http://sangeetnatak.gov.in/sna/fellowslist.htm |title=Sangeet Natak Akademi Ratna Puraskar (Akademi Fellows) |publisher=Sahitya Natak Akademi-National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama |access-date=23 November 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023617/http://sangeetnatak.gov.in/sna/fellowslist.htm |archive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref>
* [[Padma Bhushan]]<ref name="chandra"/> – 1968 (He returned his [[Padma Bhushan]] honour in protest against the [[The Emergency (India)|Emergency]] imposed in India)
* [[List of Sahitya Akademi Award winners for Kannada|Sahitya Akademi Award]] – 1959<ref name="chandra"/><ref name="tulsi"/><ref name="pampa"/>
* [[Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award]]<ref name="pampa"/>
* [[Rajyotsava Prashasti]] – 1986<ref>{{cite web|title=Recipients of Karnataka Rajyotsava Award|url=https://www.karnataka.gov.in/page/Awards/State%20Awards/Rajyotsava+Awards/en|access-date=11 February 2022}}</ref>
* [[Sangeet Natak Academy|Sangeet Natak Award]]<ref name="chandra"/><ref name="tulsi"/>
* [[Pampa Award]] – 1989<ref name="pampa"/>
* [[Swedish Academy]] award{{citation needed|date=May 2017}}
* [[Tulsi Samman]] – 1990<ref name="tulsi">{{cite book |last=Kāranta|first=Śivarāma|title= Yakshagana|orig-year=1997|year=1997|publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=81-7017-357-4|page=253}}</ref><ref name="pampa"/>
* Dadabhai Nauroji Award – 1990<ref name="tulsi"/>
* Honorary Doctorates from [[Mysore University]], [[Meerut University]], [[Karnatak University]] and others.<ref name="chandra"/><ref name="tulsi"/>


==Further reading==
==Film Awards==
* [[23rd National Film Awards|1975]] – [[National Film Award (India)|National Film Award for Best Story Writer]] – ''[[Chomana Dudi]]''
* Malini Mallya, ''Hattiradinda Kanda Hattu Mukhagalu''
* [[58th National Film Awards|2010]] – [[National Film Award – Special Mention (Feature Film)|National Film Award – Special Jury Award / Special Mention]] – ''[[Bettada Jeeva]]''
* Malini Mallya, ''Naanu Kanda Karantaru''


==Writings==
==Awards and Honors==
{{div col}}
Shivram Karanth has to his credit around 87 books written by renowned authors on him. He is the only person in Asia on whom so many books have been written.<br />
'''Novels'''
* [[Jnanpith Award]] - 1978
* [[Padma Bhushan]] - He returned his [[Padma Bhushan]] honor in protest against the Emergency, imposed by [[Indira Gandhi]].
* [[Sahitya Academy|Sahitya Academy award]] - 1958
* [[Adikavi Pampa|Pampa Award]]
* Tulsi Samman
* [[Swedish Academy]] award
* An institution, "Center of Advanced Studies", was established in his name at [[Mangalore#Education|Mangalore University]] in [[1990]].
And many more.


* ''[[Mookajjiya Kanasugalu ( 1968 )(novel)|Mookajjiya Kanasugalu]]'' ("Dreams of Mookajji Granny") ([[Jnanpith award]] winning novel)
==Bibliography==
* ''[[Marali Mannige]]'' ("Back to the Soil")
* "Mookajjiya Kanasugalu"' - dreams of a silent granny ([[Jnanpith award]] winning novel)
* ''Chomana Dudi'' ("Drum of Choma")
* "Marali Mannige" - back to the soil
* ''[[Mai Managala Suliyalli]]'' ("In the Whirlpool of Body and Soul")
* "Chomana Dudi" - drum of choma
* ''[[Bettada Jeeva]]'' ("Life in the Hills")
* "Mai Managala Suliyalli" - in the whirlpool of body and soul
* ''[[Sarasammana Samadhi]]'' ("Grave of Sarasamma")
* "Bettada Jeeva" - life on the hills
* ''[[Dharmarayana Samsara]]'' ("Family of Dharmaraya")
* "Sarasammana Samadhi" - grave of sarasamma
* ''[[Alida Mele]]'' ("After Death")
* "Dharmayana Samsara" - family of Dharmayana
* ''[[Kudiyara Kusu]]'' ("Infant of Kudiya")
* "Alida Mele" - after death
* ''[[Mailikallinodane Matukate]]'' ("Conversation with the Milestone")
* "Kudiyara Kusu" - infant of kudiya
* ''[[Chiguridha Kanasu]]''
* "jnana" - ( Knowledge )
* ''[[Mugida Yudda]]'' ("Completed War")
* "mailikallinodane matukate" - Talks with the milestone ( small stories)
* ''Moojanma''
* "adbhuta jagattu" - wonderful world ( science)
* ''Dharmarayana Samsara''
* "vijnana prapancha" - The World Of Science ( science)
* ''Kevala Manushyaru''
* ''Yaksagana'', English transln., Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (1997)
* ''Illeyamba''
* ''Hucchu Manasina Hatthu Mukhagalu'', autobiography, English translation: ''Ten Faces of a Crazy Mind'', by H.Y. Sharada Prasad), [[Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan]],
* ''Iddaru Chinthe''
1993
* ''Navu Kattida Swarga''
* ''Nashta Diggajagalu''
* ''Kanniddu Kanaru''
* ''Gedda Doddasthike''
* ''Kannadiyalli Kandatha''
* ''Antida Aparanji''
* ''Halliya Hattu Samastharu''
* ''Sameekshe''
* ''Moga Padeda Mana''
* ''Shaneeshwarana Neralinalli''
* ''Nambidavara Naka Naraka''
* ''Oudaryada Urulalli''
* ''Onti Dani''
* ''Odahuttidavaru''
* ''Swapnada Hole''
* ''Jaruva Dariyalli''
* ''Ukkida Nore''
* ''Balveye Belaku''
* ''Ala Nirala''
* ''Gondaranya''
* ''Ade Uru Ade Mara''
* ''Innonde Dari''
* ''Jagadoddara Na''
* ''Bathada Thore''


'''Science Books'''
==Karanth's works in visual media==
===Movies===
* Chomana Dudi
* Chigurida Kanasu
* Maleya Makkalu (from Kudiyara Koosu Novel)


* ''Nature, Science and Environment''
== See also ==
* ''Vijnana prapancha'' ("The World of Science")
* ''Adbhuta jagattu'' ("Wonderful World")
* ''Prani Prapancha''
* ''Prani Prapanchada Vismayagalu''
* ''Pakshigala Adbhuta Loka''

'''Plays'''
* ''Yaksagana'' – English translation, Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts (1997)
* ''Yakshagana Bayalata''

'''Children's books'''
* ''Dum Dum Dolu''
* ''Oduva Ata''
* ''Vishala Sagaragalu''
* ''Balaprapancha – Makkalavishwakosha'' – Vol 1,2,3
* ''Mailikallinodane Matukathegalu''
* ''Mariyappana Sahasagalu''
* ''Nachiketa – Ack''
* ''Ibbara Gaja Panditaru''
* ''Oduva Ata – Sirigannada Pathamale''
* ''Mathina Sethuve''
* ''Jatayu Hanumanta''
* ''Huliraya''

'''Autobiography'''
* ''Hucchu Manasina Hatthu Mukhagalu'' (English translation: "Ten Faces of a Crazy Mind", by H Y Sharada Prasad)
* ''Smriti Pataladinda'' (Vol 1–3)

'''Travelogue'''
* ''Abuvinda Baramakke''
* ''Arasikaralla''
* ''Apoorva Paschima'' ("Incomparable West")
* ''Paataalakke Payana'' ("Travel to the nether world")

'''Biography'''
* ''Panje Mangesharayaru : Kannada Nadu Mattu Kannadigara Parampare''
* ''Sri Ramakrishnara Jeevana Charithre''

'''Art, Architecture and Other'''
* ''Kaladarshana''
* ''Bharatheya Chitrakale''
* ''Jnana'' ("Knowledge")
* ''Sirigannada Artha Kosha''
* ''Kala Prapancha''
* ''Yaksharangakkagi Pravasa''
* ''Arivina Ananda''
* ''Life The Only Light – A Guide To Saner Living''
* ''Chalukya Shilpakale''
{{div col end}}

==Kannada and Cinema==
* ''[[Chomana Dudi]]''
* ''[[Chigurida Kanasu]]''
* ''Maleya Makkalu'' (from Kudiyara Koosu Novel)
* ''[[Bettada Jeeva]]''
* ''[[8 September (Tulu)]]{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}''
* ''[[Mookajjiya Kanasugalu (film)|Mookajjiya Kanasugalu]]''

==See also==
* [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
* [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
* [[Kannada literature]]
* [[Kannada literature]]
* [[Yakshagana]]
* [[Yakshagana]].
* [[Kuvempu]]


== Notes ==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
<div class="references-small"><references/></div>


==Further reading==
{{Karnataka topics}}
{{Commons category|K. Shivaram Karanth}}
* Malini Mallya, ''Hattiradinda Kanda Hattu Mukhagalu''
* Malini Mallya, ''Naanu Kanda Karantaru''

{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 1960–69}}
{{Jnanpith Award}}
{{SahityaAkademiFellowship}}
{{SangeetNatakAkademiFellowship}}
{{National Film Award Best Story}}
{{National Film Award Special Mention feature film}}

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Karanth, Shivaram}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Karanth, Shivaram}}
[[Category:Sahitya Akademi Award recipients]]
[[Category:Jnanpith Award recipients]]
[[Category:Padma Bhushan recipients]]
[[Category:Kannada poets]]
[[Category:Indian writers]]
[[Category:Kannada writers]]
[[Category:Indian environmentalists]]
[[Category:People from Karnataka]]
[[Category:1902 births]]
[[Category:1902 births]]
[[Category:1997 deaths]]
[[Category:1997 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian poets]]

[[Category:Indian atheists]]
[[hi:कोटा शिवराम कारन्त]]
[[Category:Indian environmentalists]]
[[kn:ಶಿವರಾಮ ಕಾರಂತ]]
[[Category:Indian male dramatists and playwrights]]
[[ml:കെ.ശിവറാം കാരന്ത്]]
[[Category:Indian male novelists]]
[[Category:Kannada poets]]
[[Category:Kannada-language writers]]
[[Category:People from Udupi district]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Jnanpith Award]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in literature & education]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sahitya Akademi Award in Kannada]]
[[Category:Novelists from Karnataka]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian novelists]]
[[Category:Poets from Karnataka]]
[[Category:Dramatists and playwrights from Karnataka]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male writers]]
[[Category:Special Mention (feature film) National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Best Story National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Magic realism writers]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship]]

Latest revision as of 05:53, 2 January 2025

For other uses, see Karanth (disambiguation).

Shivaram Karanth
Born(1902-10-10)10 October 1902
Kota, Udupi, India
Died9 December 1997(1997-12-09) (aged 95)
Manipal, Karnataka, India
OccupationNovelist, playwright, conservationist[1][2]
NationalityIndian
Period1924–1997[3]
GenreFiction, popular science, literature for children, dance-drama
Literary movementNavodaya
Spouse
Leela Alva
​
(m. 1936⁠–⁠1986)​
Children4; including Ullas

Kota Shivaram Karanth (10 October 1902 – 9 December 1997), also abbreviated as K. Shivaram Karanth, 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".[4] He was the third writer[5] to be decorated with the Jnanpith Award for Kannada, the highest literary honor conferred in India.[6] His son Ullas is an ecological conservationist.[3]

Early life

[edit]

Shivaram Karanth was born on 10 October 1902,[7] in Kota near Kundapura in the Udupi district of Karnataka to a Kannada-speaking Smartha Brahmin family. [citation needed] The fifth child of his parents Shesha Karantha and Lakshmamma, he completed his primary education in Kundapura and Bangalore. [citation needed]Shivaram Karanth was influenced by Gandhi's principles and took part in the Indian Independence movement when he was in college. His participation in the Non-cooperation movement did not allow him to complete his college education which he quit in February 1922. He canvassed for khadi and swadeshi in Karnataka led by Indian National Congress leader Karnad Sadashiva Rao,[8] for five years till 1927.[7] By that time, Karanth had already started writing fiction novels and plays.[7]

Career

[edit]

Karanth began writing in 1924 and soon published his first book, Rashtrageetha Sudhakara, a collection of poems. His first novel was Vichitrakoota. Subsequent works like Nirbhagya Janma ("Unfortunate Birth") and Sooleya Samsara ("Family of a Prostitute") mirrored the pathetic conditions of the poor. His magnum opus Devaddhootaru, a satire on contemporary India, was published in 1928.[3]

Karanth was an intellectual and environmentalist who made notable contribution to the art and culture of Karnataka.[7] 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.[7] He wrote two books on Karnataka's ancient stage dance-drama Yakshagana (1957 and 1975). [citation needed]

He was involved in experiments in the technique of printing for some years in the 1930s and 1940s and printed his own novels, but incurred financial losses. He was also a painter and was deeply concerned with the issue of nuclear energy and its impact on the environment.[9] At the age of 90, he wrote a book on birds (published during 2002 by Manohara Grantha Mala, Dharwad).[citation needed]

He wrote, apart from his forty-seven novels, thirty-one plays, four short story collections, six books of essays and sketches, thirteen books on art, two volumes of poems, nine encyclopedias, and over one hundred articles on various issues.[9] His Mookajjiya Kanasugalu novel won Jnanpith award. [citation needed]

Personal life

[edit]

Karanth married Leela Alva, a student in the school that Karanth taught dance and directed plays in. Leela belonged to the Bunt community and was the daughter of a businessman, K. D. Alva. They married on 6 May 1936. The couple subsequently attracted ridicule from people in the region over their inter-caste marriage; Karanth belonged to an orthodox Brahmin community, but had become an atheist after cutting his sacred thread at a young age. Leela, who had her early education in Marathi language, re-learnt Kannada after marriage and translated the Marathi novel Pan Lakshat Kon Gheto into Kannada. As a dancer, she participated in Karanth's operas. The Karanths had four children together: sons, Harsha and Ullas, a conservationist; and daughters, Malavika and Kshama. His mother's influence on Karanth was described by Ullas as: "It was our mother who shaped Karanth's life... She was the backbone of all his endeavours. She was also quite well-read, and she dedicated all of her talents to her husband. She took care of all household responsibilities." The family lived in the Puttur, Karnataka town of Dakshina Kannada, a district in the South Karnataka region, before moving to Saligrama, a town 2 miles (3.2 km) from Karanth's birthplace Kota, in 1974. A few years prior to this, their eldest son Harsha died leaving Leela suffer from "depression and hallucinations". Leela died in September 1986. It was also the year that Karanth's final novel was published.[8]

Karanth was admitted to Kasturba Medical College in Manipal on 2 December 1997 to be treated for viral fever. He suffered from a cardiac respiratory arrest two days later and slipped into a coma. On 9 December, his kidneys began to fail and he subsequently developed severe acidosis and sepsis, following which he was put on dialysis. Efforts to revive him failed and he died at 11:35 a.m. (IST) the following day, aged 95.[3][10] The government of Karnataka declared a two-day mourning in the State as a mark of respect.

Popularity

[edit]

Many of Karanth's novels have been translated into other Indian languages. Marali Mannige got translated to English by Padma Ramachandra Sharma, has been conferred the State Sahitya Akademi award. [citation needed]

Memorial

[edit]

Shivarama Karantha Balavana

[edit]

Shivarama Karantha Balavana is notable for its fame under the name of the Jnanapeeta awardee Dr. K. Shivarama Karantha, who lived in Puttur. In his memory his home now houses a museum, a park, and a recreation center.[11]

Literary and national honors

[edit]
Karanth on a 2003 stamp of India

Film Awards

[edit]

Writings

[edit]

Novels

Science Books

  • Nature, Science and Environment
  • Vijnana prapancha ("The World of Science")
  • Adbhuta jagattu ("Wonderful World")
  • Prani Prapancha
  • Prani Prapanchada Vismayagalu
  • Pakshigala Adbhuta Loka

Plays

  • Yaksagana – English translation, Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts (1997)
  • Yakshagana Bayalata

Children's books

  • Dum Dum Dolu
  • Oduva Ata
  • Vishala Sagaragalu
  • Balaprapancha – Makkalavishwakosha – Vol 1,2,3
  • Mailikallinodane Matukathegalu
  • Mariyappana Sahasagalu
  • Nachiketa – Ack
  • Ibbara Gaja Panditaru
  • Oduva Ata – Sirigannada Pathamale
  • Mathina Sethuve
  • Jatayu Hanumanta
  • Huliraya

Autobiography

  • Hucchu Manasina Hatthu Mukhagalu (English translation: "Ten Faces of a Crazy Mind", by H Y Sharada Prasad)
  • Smriti Pataladinda (Vol 1–3)

Travelogue

  • Abuvinda Baramakke
  • Arasikaralla
  • Apoorva Paschima ("Incomparable West")
  • Paataalakke Payana ("Travel to the nether world")

Biography

  • Panje Mangesharayaru : Kannada Nadu Mattu Kannadigara Parampare
  • Sri Ramakrishnara Jeevana Charithre

Art, Architecture and Other

  • Kaladarshana
  • Bharatheya Chitrakale
  • Jnana ("Knowledge")
  • Sirigannada Artha Kosha
  • Kala Prapancha
  • Yaksharangakkagi Pravasa
  • Arivina Ananda
  • Life The Only Light – A Guide To Saner Living
  • Chalukya Shilpakale

Kannada and Cinema

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Karanth: Myriad-minded "Monarch of the Seashore"". The Indian Express. 10 December 1997. Archived from the original on 8 October 1999. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Dutt, Kartik Chandra (1999) [1999]. Who's who of Indian Writers, 1999: A-M. New Delhi: Sahitya Academy. p. 575. ISBN 81-260-0873-3.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h "Shivarama Karanth is dead". Rediff on the Net. 9 December 1997. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  4. ^ The Arun Shourie of the left. Thehindu.com (26 November 2000). Retrieved on 2018-11-15.
  5. ^ "Jnanapeeth Awards". Ekavi. Archived from the original on 27 April 2006. Retrieved 31 October 2006.
  6. ^ "Jnanpith Laureates Official listings". Jnanpith Website. Archived from the original on 13 October 2007.
  7. ^ a b c d e Guha, Ramachandra (13 October 2002). "The Kannada colossus". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 15 January 2003. Retrieved 24 November 2006.
  8. ^ a b Rāmacandran, Si En (2001). K. Shivarama Karanth. Sahitya Akademi. pp. 7–22. ISBN 9788126010714. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  9. ^ a b A walk through the life of Karanth – KARNATAKA. The Hindu (26 February 2013). Retrieved on 2018-11-15.
  10. ^ "Literary legend Karanth dead". The Indian Express. Press Trust of India. 10 December 1997. Archived from the original on 17 August 2003. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  11. ^ "Balavana". karanthabalavana.org. Archived from the original on 1 December 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h Kāranta, Śivarāma (1997) [1997]. Yakshagana. Abhinav Publications. p. 253. ISBN 81-7017-357-4.
  13. ^ "Fellow and Honorary Fellows". Sahitya Akademi-National Academi of Letters. Archived from the original on 1 July 2017. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  14. ^ "Sangeet Natak Akademi Ratna Puraskar (Akademi Fellows)". Sahitya Natak Akademi-National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  15. ^ "Recipients of Karnataka Rajyotsava Award". Retrieved 11 February 2022.

Further reading

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to K. Shivaram Karanth.
  • Malini Mallya, Hattiradinda Kanda Hattu Mukhagalu
  • Malini Mallya, Naanu Kanda Karantaru
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