S. L. Bhyrappa

S. L. Bhyrappa Biography

S. L. Bhyrappa is a celebrated novelist belonging to Kannada language. Gruha Banga, Aavarana and Naayi Neralu are some of his extremely popular works. Yet this writer has been surrounded by controversies for the subjects he chose for his works. His works like Vamshavruksha, Tabbaliyu Neenaade Magane, Parva, and Saartha have strong roots in ancient Indian philosophical tradition, inviting criticisms and controversies often. Many of his works have been the subject of debates for the delicate themes he 
chooses. Many of his books have been re-printed many times and most recently, his new book Aavarana 
was sold out even before its release. Though a contemporary writer, none of his books strictly belong to 
any genres of contemporary Kannada works and he writes on wide range of topics. Most of his popular 
works have been translated to Hindi and other languages and have also been made feature films. 

His full name is Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa, born on 20 August 1931 in Hassan district of 
Karnataka. Santeshivara of Channarayapatna is his native place. He lost his mother and siblings at 
a younger age due to an epidemic and his childhood faced financial problems. He even begged and 
did odd jobs to complete his education. He also participated in Indian freedom struggle movement 
as a teenager. He was deeply influenced by the works of Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar in those days. 
He completed graduation and post-graduation in philosophy and received the gold medal of Mysore 
University for PG.

He started his professional career as a faculty at Sri Kadasiddheshwar College, Hubli where he taught 
philosophy. Later he worked in many colleges and retired in 1991. Bheemakaya (1958) was his first 
published novel and he rose to the most popular contemporary Kannada novelist through works like 
Vamshavruksha, Gruha Banga, Aavarana, Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane, Matadana and Nayi Neralu.

Published: N/A

Updated: October 15, 2014