Kuvempu Biography

Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa, better known as Kuvempu, was an Indian poet, playwright, novelist and critic. He is regarded by many as the best Kannada poet of the 20th century. He was also the first Kannada writer who received the Jnanpith Award. He completed his education from Mysuru University, after which he continued to work there as a teacher. During this time, he contributed to several literary works. His best known works include the epic ‘Sri Ramayana Darshanam’, based on the famous Hindu epic Ramayana, and novels such as ‘Kanuru Heggaditi’ (Proprietress of Kanuru). He is credited with writing the Karnataka State Anthem ‘Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate.’ Throughout his life, he received numerous honors, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, and the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, the third and second highest civilian honors in India.