Writers recall Bhyrappa’s research, respect for criticism

Among his many contributions to Kannada literature, S.L. Bhyrappa’s greatest achievements was attracting new readers, especially the youth, said writers who spoke to The Hindu on Wednesday.

Bhyrappa was often at the centre of controversy for his strong ideological stance, but when viewed through a non-ideological lens, he was a man who accepted both criticism and praise with humility, said many.

Critic T.P. Ashoka recalled an instance in the 1990s when he presented a critical paper on the novel Vamsha Vriksha in the presence of Bhyrappa in Chitradurga. “He took the criticism positively and also responded to the questions I posed in my paper. He always welcomed criticism when it came from a place of sincerity and respect,” he said.

K. Marulasiddappa, critic and playwright, shared a similar sentiment as he recalled their trip to Delhi a few years ago for work related to the Kannada Abhivriddhi Pradhikara. “We both had very different ideologies and principles, but he always saw a person first as a fellow human being,” he said.

A curious personality

Mr. Ashoka said that when he visited Chitradurga fort with Bhyrappa, the latter was extremely observant of all the structures and keen on hearing stories from locals.

“I asked him whether he was planning to write about Chitradurga. He replied that he couldn’t, unless the place touched his soul deeply and a story revealed itself. He explained that he would write a book, put it away for six months, revisit it, share it with his friends, and make changes before publishing,” he recalled.

Scholar Hampa Nagarajaiah supported Mr. Ashoka’s observations, saying Bhyrappa’s novels were always backed by thorough research. “In fact, his works were always the result of deep research, combined with a serious tone and disciplined flow,” Mr. Nagarajaiah said.

Writer and publisher Vasudhendra added that Bhyrappa had mastered the art of giving the highest importance even to minor characters in his novels, citing examples such as Venkatesha in Daatu and Kallesha in Gruhabanga. “Every character contributed something meaningful to the story, which is very difficult to achieve in novel writing,” Mr. Vasudhendra said.

He further noted that Bhyrappa’s writing was always ahead of its time, citing Matadana as an example. “I often wonder how someone could write with such precision on a subject,” he said.

Revolutionising the novel

Mr. Marulasiddappa also said that Bhyrappa revolutionised the novel form, with masterpieces such as Gruhabanga and Parva.

“He played a crucial role in elevating Kannada on the national stage and making novel writing a literary movement. We can say he popularised the novel form itself,” he said, adding that Bhyrappa was instrumental in expanding the reader base for Kannada literature.

“His works were always widely discussed, regardless of their subject, and this drew more readers into Kannada.”

All the writers who spoke to The Hindu also noted that while Bhyrappa’s works often stirred controversy due to their ideological undertones, they never lacked substance.

Mr. Nagarajaiah said, “If a writer finds himself or herself in the midst of a debate, it means they have made a mark.”