C. K. Nagaraja Rao

C. K. Nagaraja Rao Biography

C. K. Nagaraja Rao was an Indian writer and theatre personality from the state of Karnataka, who lived during the period, 12 June 1915 – 10 April 1998. He was best known as a theatre artist, famous for his plays. He was also a social activist, journalist and stage actor. When Moortidevi Award was instituted by Bharatiya Jnanpith in 1983, he became its first recipient. He won the honour for his magnum opus "Pattamahadevi Shantaladevi", which also won "Best Creative Literary Work" award by the Karnataka Sahitya Academy 1978. His works belong to the genre Historical fiction and research.

C.K. Nagaraja Rao was born on 12 June 1915 in Challakere, Chitradurga district of present-day Karnataka, British India. C.S. Krishnamurthy Rao and Puttamma are his parents. As he got opportunity to spend his childhood days in different cities of India, he got drawn towards the rich heritage and culture of the nation since young. It gave deep impact on his thoughts and ideas, which greatly influenced his writing career later. He was mostly attracted towards the cultural heritage of his own state, Karnataka. Justice Nittoor Srinivasa Rao, a Gandhian who participated in the Indian independence movement was his uncle.

Once he got opportunity to interact with Mahatma Gandhi, during his stay at Nandi Hills near Bangalore. He felt the need to devote some time for the welfare of others. He was also inspired by his uncle Justice Nittoor Srinivasa Rao. He wrote a short story "Kaadu Mallige" during his school days, which helped him to win a competition. From there on, he started writing. Later he conducted extensive research works on Karnataka history, culture and heritage and published many books.

Published: January 05, 2020

Updated: January 05, 2020