best kannada books to read

Avarana by S.L. Bhyrappa is one of the most famous Kannada novels of all time. It was initially published in the year 2007 in Kannada;

it is later translated to English, Tamil, Hindi and many more. The novel uncovers the concepts of religion, liberalism, and false concepts of Indian society.

Malegalalli Madumagalu is one of the quality novels of Kannada language written by Kuvempu. The author cherishes the wealth of the hills of malenadu through his words.

Describing the life of people in the hills of western ghats, kuvempu highlighted the social discrimination in terms of casteism, religion and women empowerment.

This is one perfect Kannada book to read if you are a lover of classics.

Karvalo by K.P. Poornachandra Tejaswi is a non-fiction drama about a scientist, a farmer and a local cowboy.

The storyline is about their journey of finding an extinct flying lizard present in the woods of Western Ghats.

Tejaswi won the “Most creative novel of the year” award for this book in 1980.

Mookajjiya Kanasugalu is a storyline between a Grandmother with the supernatural power of seeing past and future through dreams and her grandson subbaraya.

The controversial thoughts of human beings about the old superstitious beliefs, cultural evolution and origin of tradition are described through the eyes of a Granny.

 Kota Shivarama Karanth won the prestigious Jnanpith Award for this book.

Jugaari Cross is another spectacular literature work written by K.P. Poornachandra Tejaswi. Unlike Karvalo which is a dramatic novel revealing the meaning of life,

Jugaari cross is a suspense thriller. The storyline describes the World’s economic impact on an ordinary farming couple’s life.

Chidambara rahasya is an award-winning novel written by K.P. Poornachandra Tejaswi. It won Sahitya Akademi Award for Kannada in 1987.

The book tells about the life of people in a small Indian village. Chidambara rahasya is one good book of plots and twists, which was later directed into a television serial in 2016.

K.P. Poornachandra tejaswi has his very own way of writing to visualize the scene in the reader’s mind.

Such a great talent of the author makes Rudraprayaagada Ada Bhayanaka Narabhakshaka an epic story treat for his readers.

Kanooru Heggadithi or Kanuru Heggadathi by kuvempu is another masterpiece based on the lifestyle of village people.

The rebellious female character Subbamma, the third wife of Chandre Gowda, takes revenge against all wrong men after her husband’s demise.

Kuvempu has made a revolution in female characterization through his words. This book bridges the gap between the women’s revolution before independence 

Mankutimmana Kagga is one of the popular literature works in Kannada written by D.V. Gundappa in 1943.

This book is also known as the Bhagavad Gita of Kannada language. Mankutimmana Kagga is a collection of 943 poems that expresses the reality of life

And its deep meaning. Kagga poems are the best version of teaching a person about ‘how to live a balanced life’.

For a classic Kannada literature treat, do read Mankutimmana Kagga poems.

Chomana Dudi by Kota Shivarama Karanth is a story based on untouchability that was practiced in India before independence.

The novel name Chomana Dudi means Choma’s drum. An untouchable backward class farmer, Choma, struggling to farm on his land, faces hardships in life.

That made him lock himself in his house and play the drums until his death. This novel is directed into a movie of the same name.

It won 3 most prestigious National Film Awards, including one for “Best Story”.

Annana Nenapu is a biography of K.P. Poornachandra Tejaswi. He is a prominent Kannada writer and son of the national poet of India, Rashtrakavi Kuvempu.

The book ‘Annana Nenapu’ describes tejaswi’s childhood and good old days with his father.

He also narrates the actual lifestyle of kuvempu and his bonding with his family. The book is an inspiration pearl to any tejaswi and kuvempu fan.

Parva by S.L. Bhyrappa is a modern classic version of retelling the principles of the epic Mahabharata.

The novel depicts the personal reflection of the Mahabharata characters, especially in the Kurukshetra war. It discusses the aspects of war in a more rational view.

This is one of his prominent literature works which is translated into 7 different Indian languages and several other foreign languages like Chinese, and Russian.

The Tamil and Telugu versions of this book won Sahitya Akademi’s Translation award in 2004.

Brahma Puriya Bhikshuka by Shatavadaani Dr Ganesh is a collection of intimate anecdotes of the life of the beloved writer D.V. Gundappa.

In his book, he reported the values and principles of DVG in his work, society and life.

Cream of Kailasam by Keshava Rao B. S is a book that describes the humor of K. P Kailasam. Thanjavur Paramasiva Iyer Kailasam

Or K.P. Kailasam was a famous playwright and writer in Kannada literature. He is popularly known for his titles Prahasana Prapitamaha and Kannadakke Obbane Kailasam.

Vamsha vruksha by S. L. Bhyrappa is all about the revolutionizing transformation of families from a traditional bound background

To modern India to preserving their integrity and their lineage. The story covers the taboos of widow remarriage, the interwoven tragedies and triumphs.

Vamsha Viruksha was directed into a movie in 1977 by B. V. Karanth and Girish Karnad.