K. Shivaram Karanth

Early life Shivaram Karanth was born on 10 October 1902, for five years till 1927.

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. At the age of 90, he wrote a book on birds (published during 2002 by Manohara Grantha Mala, Dharwad).

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. The government of Karnataka declared a two-day mourning in the State as a mark of respect.

Popularity 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.

Memorial Shivarama Karantha Balavana 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.

Literary and national honors

Jnanapith Award – 1978 Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship – 1973 Padma Bhushan Sangeet Natak Award Chigurida Kanasu Bettada Jeeva Mookajjiya Kanasugalu