Kamala Hampana

Kamala Hampana (28 October 1935 – 22 June 2024) was an Indian writer who wrote in the Kannada language. Born in Devanahalli in Karnataka, she worked as a scholar and professor of ancient works and undertook studies on different genres of Kannada literature, as well as topics involving Jainism.

Background Kamala Hampana was born on 28 October 1935, in Devanahalli, Bangalore, Karnataka to C. Rangadhamanayak and Lakshmamma couple. Kamala's elementary schooling started in Challakere, Karnataka and continued in different villages. In 1953, as a high-school student she completed her SSLC at Tumkur. She continued her college studies in Mysore. During 1955-1958, from University of Mysore she obtained a B.A degree and an M.A degree in the Kannada language (1958). She was conferred a Ph.D. degree for her thesis on Turanga Bhaarata.

Kamala Hampana was married to Hampa Nagarajaiah, also a veteran litterateur in Kannada. The couple had two daughters and a son.

Career In 1959, Kamala Hampana started with the profession as Kannada teacher and worked as a Principal at the Government First Grade College, Vijayanagar, Bangalore and then as a Professor at the Maharani College of Bengaluru and Maharaja's College, Mysore.

Upon her retirement from the Government Service, she worked as a Professor in Department of Jainism, Natural Studies, President of Mysore University and President and Visiting Professor of Hampi University. Her research on female sensibility has earned her immense fame. In her writings, she provided a deep insight into Jain works.

Kamala Hampana's important publications are:

Awards and recognition Kamala Hampana received the following awards and citations: Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award Karnataka Government's Kitturu Raani Channamma Award (2019) Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Award in 1998 by Karnataka Government Rajyotsava Prashasti from Karnataka Government Baba Amte Award Chavundaraya Award from Kannada Sahitya Parishat (2012) Nadoja honorary doctorate from Hampi Kannada University (2008) Anupama Niranjana Award (2003) Siddanthakeerthi Vidvath Award (2013) Rashtra Kavi Kuvempu Award (2013) Kuvempu Kalavikethana Award Ranna Prashasthi (1996) Dr. Baba saheb Ambedkar Award (2007) Bharat Vikas Ratna Award Shruta Samvardhan Rashtreeya Puraskar Mahamastakabhisheka rashtreeya Puraskara Sandesha Awards 2017