Maasti Venkatesh Iyengar:The Father of Kannada Short Stories
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Maasti Venkatesh Iyengar (Kannada:ಮಾಸ್ತಿೀ ವೆಂಕಟೇಶ ಐಯಂಗಾರ್) (June 6, 1891 - June 6, 1986) was a popular writer in Kannada language. He was the fourth person among seven recipients[1] of Jnanpith Award for Kannada the highest literary honour conferred in India. He was popularly referred to as Maasti Kannadada Aasti which means Maasti is Kannada’s Treasure. He is most renowned for his short stories. He wrote under the pen name Srinivasa. He was honored with the title Rajasevasakta by then Maharaja of Mysore Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadeyar.
Early life and education
Masti was born in 1891, at Masti in Kolar district of Karnataka in a Tamil speaking Vaishnavaite family. He obtained a master’s degree in Arts in 1914. After joining the Indian Civil Service, he held various positions of responsibility in different parts of Karnataka, rising to the rank of District Commissioner. He retired in 1943.
His Kelavu Sanna Kathegalu (Some Short Stories) was the first noted work in the modern Kannada literature. Maasti also crafted a number poems on various philosophic, aesthetic and social themes. He composed and translated several important plays. Finally, he edited the monthly journal Jeevana (Life) from 1944 to 1965.
A prolific writer, he wrote more than 120 books in Kannada and 17 in English, over seventy years
He passed away in 1986 at the age of 95.
He won the Jnanpith Award in 1983 for his novel Chikkaveera Rajendra. The story was about the last Kodava king. Kodava community was displeased with the negative portrayal of their last king.
Epics
- Shri Rama Pattabisheka (Coronation of Shri Ram)
Novels
- Chikkaveera Rajendra Historical Novel about the last king of Kodagu
- Channabasava Nayaka Historical Novel about the last king among Nayakas of Shimoga District.
- Subbana
Stories and Anthologies
- Kelavu Sanna Kathegalu (Some Short Stories)
- Dombara Chenni
- Kaagegalu (Crows)
- Rangana Maduve (Ranga’s Marriage)
Plays
- Kakanakote
- Kalidasa
- Yashodhara
Autobiography
- Bhava
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The Father of Kannada Short Stories
The Iyengars have been in the forefront of arts, science, & literature. Shown above is the Jnanapeeth awardee Masti Venkatesh Iyengar
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Maasti Venkatesh Iyengar
© Kamat’s Potpourri |
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| Pseudonym: | Srinivasa, Maasti |
|---|---|
| Born: | 6 June 1891 Hongenahalli, Malur taluk, Kolar district, Karnataka |
| Died: | 6 June, 1986 Mysore |
| Occupation: | District Commissioner, Professor, Writer |
| Nationality: | India |
| Genres: | Fiction |
| Literary movement: | Navodaya |
| Debut works: | Kelavu Sanna Kategalu |
| Influences: | M.K. Gandhi |
Maasti Venkatesh Iyengar (Kannada:ಮಾಸ್ತಿೀ ವೆಂಕಟೇಶ ಐಯಂಗಾರ್) (June 6 1891 - June 6 1986) was a popular writer in Kannada language. He was the fourth person among seven recipients[1] of Jnanpith Award for Kannada the highest literary honour conferred in India. He was popularly referred to as Maasti Kannadada Aasti which means Maasti is Kannada’s Treasure. He is most renowned for his short stories. He wrote under the pen name Srinivasa. He was honored with the title Rajasevasakta by then Maharaja of Mysore Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadeyar.
Biography
Early life and education
Masti was born in 1891, at Masti in Kolar district of Karnataka in a Tamil speaking Vaishnavaite family. He obtained a master’s degree in Arts in 1914. After joining the Indian Civil Service, he held various positions of responsibility in different parts of Karnataka, rising to the rank of District Commissioner. He retired in 1943.
His Kelavu Sanna Kathegalu (Some Short Stories) was the first noted work in the modern Kannada literature. Maasti also crafted a number poems on various philosophic, aesthetic and social themes. He composed and translated several important plays. Finally, he edited the monthly journal Jeevana (Life) from 1944 to 1965.
A prolific writer, he wrote more than 120 books in Kannada and 17 in English, over seventy years
He passed away in 1986 at the age of 95.
He won the Jnanpith Award in 1983 for his novel Chikkaveera Rajendra. The story was about the last Kodava king. Kodava community was displeased with the negative portrayal of their last king.
Bibliography
Epics
- Shri Rama Pattabisheka (Coronation of Shri Ram)
Novels
- Chikkaveera Rajendra Historical Novel about the last king of Kodagu
- Channabasava Nayaka Historical Novel about the last king among Nayakas of Shimoga District.
- Subbana
Stories and Anthologies
- Kelavu Sanna Kathegalu (Some Short Stories)
- Dombara Chenni
- Kaagegalu (Crows)
- Rangana Maduve (Ranga’s Marriage)
Plays
- Kakanakote
- Kalidasa
- Yashodhara
Autobiography
- Bhava
Notes
- ^ Jnanapeeth Awards. Ekavi. Retrieved on 2006-10-31.
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