Mandagadde Krishnarao Indira (5 January 1917 – 15 March 1994) was a well-known Indian novelist in the Kannada language. Her works include Phaniyamma, which won various awards. She began writing novels at the age of forty-five.Susie J. Tharu, Ke Lalita (1991), p138 Some of her novels were made into movies.
Early life and education Indira was born on 5 January 1917 to T. Suryanarayana Rao, a prosperous agriculturist and Banashankaramma in Thirthahalli, in the Kingdom of Mysore of British India. Her native village was Narasimharajapura in Chikmagalur district.
Her formal education lasted for seven years, before she married at age twelve to M. Krishna Rao. She studied Kannada poetry and also had a good knowledge of Hindi literature. As said in one of her books, Indira met renowned writer Triveni when she was in Mandya. Triveni appreciated her writing skills, which motivated her to write stories and novels, and then publish them in print media. She ventured into writing novels at age 45.
Career Her first published novel was Tungabhadra, released in 1963. This was followed by Sadananda (1965), Gejje Pooje (1966) and Navaratna (1967). Her most well-known work is however Phaniyamma, which was released in 1976. Phaniyamma is a novel based on the life of a child widow whom Indira knew during her childhood. Indira heard the story when the widow narrated it to Indira's mother.Barbara Koenig Quart (1988) p251 This novel has been a subject matter of discussion in many books related to feminism. Indira has written more than fifty novels.
Gejje Pooje was made into a film by director Puttanna Kanagal in 1969. Phaniyamma was made into a film by the director Prema Karanth, won many international awards. Indira's other novels made into films are Hoobana (Mutthu ondu Mutthu), Giribale, Musuku and Poorvapara.
Honors and awards Indira's novels, Tungabhadra, Sadananda, Navaratna and Phaniyamma have won the Kannada Sahitya Akademi awards. This annual award is given to the best Kannada literature of the year. Thejaswini Niranjana has translated Phaniyamma to English, and this translation has won the Sahitya Akademi of India award and more awards. In view of her contribution to literature, an award is constituted in Indira's name and is given to the best women writers.
Novels and Short stories
Sadananda Tungabhadra Gejjepooje Phaniyamma Giribale Madhuvana Mana Tumbida Madadi Hennina Akankshe Thaapadinda Thampige Bramhachari Kaladarshi Shantidhama Navaratna Ambarada Apsare Nagabeku Navajeevana Pavaada Kalpana Vilasa Dashavatara Susvagatha Baadigege Kathegara Abharana Mane Kottu Nodi Kanyakumari Rasavaahini Naagaveena Aathmasakhi Doctor Tapovanadalli Chidvilasa Jaathi Kettavalu Sukhaanta Yaru Hithavaru Hoobana Puttanna Kanagal Varnaleele Hasivu Bidige Chandrama Donku Koopa Koochu Bhatta Jaala Gunda Musuku Kavalu Mohanamaale Anubhava Kunja Noorondu Baagilu Taggina Mane Seethe Poorvapara Hamsagana Thaalidavaru Manomandira Vichitra Prema Onde Nimisha Pournami Bhaava Bandhana
Movies based on Indira's novels Movie Language Based on Gejje Pooje Kannada Gejje Pooje Sadananda Kannada || Sadananda Phaniyamma Kannada Phaniyamma Muthu Ondu Muthu Kannada Hoobaana Jaala Kannada Jaala Giribaale Kannada Giribaale Musuku Kannada Musuku Noorondu Baagilu Kannada Noorondu Baagilu Kalyana Mandapam Telugu Gejje Pooje Ahista Ahista Hindi Gejje Pooje Laaga Chunari Mein Daag Hindi Gejje Pooje Thaaliya Salangaiya Tamil Gejje Pooje Poorvapara Kannada Poorvapara
Personal life She died at the age of 77. M K Indira is younger sister of journalist T S Ramachandra Rao, better known as TSR of Choobaana (ಛೂಬಾಣ).
References
Sources
External links Dr. Kamat's Article on M.K. Indira