P. T. Narasimhachar was also known by the initials of his name - Pu. Ti. Na. He was a renowned poet and dramatist of the Navodaya or renaissance period of Kannada literature.
Early Life of P. T. Narasimhachar
P. T. Narasimhachar was born into a traditional family of priests in Melukote, Mandya district. He studied Sanskrit literature, English, and French for his degree in Bachelor of Arts and worked variously as Inspector of Office System and Cow Protection. He was also Superintendent of Military Stores, translator, and editor of the English-Kannada dictionary project at the University of Mysore. P. T. Narasimhachar contributed to the development of Kannada poetics, believing that the ultimate aim of all literature is the experience of rasa, and strove to achieve it through the blend of music, dance, and poetry.
Life in Theatre for P. T. Narasimhachar
P. T. Narasimhachar had a good knowledge of classical music and a deep understanding of classical literature. Pu. Ti. Na.`s twenty plays show the blend of modernity and classicism, but P. T. Narasimhachar is remembered for his achievements in lyrical Kannada theatre, inspired by Western operas. P. T. Narasimhachar also composed musicals for radio. Humanism, love of nature, and devotion to Krishna pervade P. T. Narasimhachar`s writings. Ahalye in 1940, Vikatakavi vijaya or "Poet-jester`s Victory" in 1949, and Satyayana Harishchandra or `Harishchandra`s Truthful Path` in 1968 belong to the category in which music has the upper hand. All were based on mythology.
They present the power of love, sarcastic criticism of British rule, and the value of truth respectively. Ahalye is particularly notable for its lyricism. In Hamsa Damayanti or The Swan and Damayanti in 1965 and Ramapattabhisbeka or `Lord Rama`s Coronation in 1967 the literary aspect gains prominence. P. T. Narasimhachar `s most significant and successful play is Gokula nirgamana or Departure from Gokula in 1945. Its 1993 production by B. V. Karanth drew critical attention again to this verse drama dealing with Lord Krishna leaving Vrindavan for Mathura on Kamsas invitation. On one level it tells the story of the bereavement felt by the people of Vrindavan and on the other, desertion of the homeland by young Indians. It lends itself to various interpretations.
P. T. Narasimhachar died in the year 1998 at the age of 93.
Awards and Recognitions for P. T. Narasimhachar
* Central Sahithya Academy Prize for Hamsa-Damayanthi and Gitarupakas
* Honorary Doctor of Literature from Mysore University
* President of 53rd Kannada Sahithya Sammelana, 1981, Chikmagalur
* Granthaloka award for Sriharicharite, 1989
* Pampa award, 1991
* Padmasri from the Government of India, 1991
Bibliography
Collection Of Poems
* Hanate
* Mandaliru
* Sharadayaamini
* Hrudaya vihari
* Ganesha darshana
* Rasa Sarasvati
* Maley Degula
* Irula Meragu
* Haley Chiguru - Hosa Beru
Musical Dramas
* Vasanta Chandana
* Seeta Kalyana
* Ahalye
* Gokula Nirgamana
* Shabari
* Doniya Binada
* Vikatakavi
* Ramapatabisheka
Collection Of Stories
* Ramachariya Nenapu
* Rathasaptami and other stories
* Sri Rama Pattabhiskekham
* Hamsa Damayanti
