Novelist S.L. Bhyrappa

First Online: March 01,2007
Page Last Updated: September 07,2008

Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa or S.L. Bhyrappa (born 1934) is one the foremost novelists of India. Born  in the tumultuous days of pre-independence, and having suffered grave hardships (loss of mother, poverty, abuse, and caste related difficulties) he has shaped his intellect through amazing journeys, studies, research, and experiences. His novels emanate his rich experience in life and his deep personality.

Search for truth, aesthetics, and possibilities have always been Bhyrappa's strength along with his academic research he puts in behind the stories. 

S.L. Bhyrappa Picture Album

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri

Portrait of S. L. Bhyrappa
Photograph circa 1984, Mysore

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri

"I am not happy with everything that I write the first time"- Bhyrappa
Kamat residence, Dattaprasad, 1981.

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri

S.L. Bhyrappa the Researcher
Extensive research marks the historical anectodes in Bhyarappa's novels.

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri

"Only time and my lifespan will decide how far I'll be able to complete my plans"
Kamat residence, Dattaprasad, 1981.

List of Novels by S.L. Bhyrappa

• Aavarana (2007) 
• Mandra (2001)
• Saartha (1998)
• Tantu (1993) -- This masterpiece encompasses the whole of India and reflects exactly what happened to the Indian value system in post-independence.
• Anchu (1990)
• Saakshi (1986)
• Nele (1983)
• Parva (1979) -- A masterpiece where Bhyrappa retells the Bhabharata epic without mythology -- especially the story is told from the viewpoints of Draupadi, Gandhari, and  Kunti.
• Anveshane (1976)
• Daatu (1973) -- Caste conflict comes alive blended with Hindu traditions and political agenda.
• Grahana (1972)
• Nirakarana (1971)
• Grihabhanga (1970) -- Loosely based on the life of his own mother, Bhyrappa weaves the struggles of a housewife.
• Tabbaliyu neenaade magane (1968)
• Naayi Neralu (1968) 
• Jalapaata (1967)
• Vamshavraksha (1965)
• Matadaana (1965)
• Doora Saridaru (1962)
• Dharmashree (1961)
• Bheemakaaya (1957) -- Author's early novel based on the life of a bodybuilder and his lover.

Other Literary Works

• Bhitti (Autobiography) -- An amazing autobiography that explains the the circumstances that made Bhyrappa such a great writer.
• Satya mattu Soundarya (1966)
• Saahitya mattu Prateeka (1967)
• Kathe mattu Kathavastu (1969)
• Naaneke Bareyuttene? (1980)
  
  

See Also:

• Bhyrappa and I