Before picking the best Kannada books to read, it is time we value the impact of books.
Books have made significant contributions in shaping the ideas, thoughts, and cultural beliefs of people across the globe. Likewise, literature has been a part of the Kannada language for ages. In today’s world, picking the best Kannada books to read is honestly hard! Such is its history!
In this blog, I, as a native Kannada speaker, will suggest the top 10 best Kannada books to read so that you can get introduced to Kannada literature. Shall we begin?
Table Of Contents
Best Kannada Books To Read
The origin of Kannada literature began with different authors writing episodes from the Indian classics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Then, the medieval authors began fueling their inner thoughts and wrote stuff that mirrored societal thoughts. Modern Kannada authors, however, have successfully explored numerous genres.
Kannada literature is known for the legacy it carries in the history of Indian literature. It has bagged 8 Jnanpith Awards (most for any Indian language) – the Highest Indian Literary Award presented annually.
Not just in terms of awards, Kannada authors in general, have successfully managed to explore the cultural differences present within Karnataka and presented it as the backdrop for their storytelling. After all, books are a mere representation of one’s cultural identity!
Below are my top 10 best Kannada books to read for every Kannada and non-Kannada readers:
1. Malegalalli Madumagalu (ಮಲೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಮದುಮಗಳು)
An all-time Kannada classic written by the Greatest Kannada poet and author of the 20th century- Kuvempu. He was the first Kannada author to win the prestigious Jnanpith Award!
Kuppalli Venkatappa Puttappa, shortly known by his pen name Kuvempu, hailed from the region of Malenadu (ಮಲೆನಾಡು)- the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Malegalalli Madumagalu (ಮಲೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಮದುಮಗಳು), which translates as ‘The Bride in the Hills’ is considered an all-time classic that gained Kuvempu a legacy that no other Kannada writer could match!
The portrayal of Malenadu (ಮಲೆನಾಡು) in terms of economic and social conditions in the 19th Century, how the system of landlords prevailed, and interlinking all these topics with different castes present in the region forms the basic premise of the novel. The scope given to the female characters in this book is truly special. This book is no doubt a masterpiece, and you do not wanna miss it!
2. Mookajjiya Kanasugalu (ಮೂಕಜ್ಜಿಯ ಕನಸುಗಳು)
The title of the book itself translates as “Dreams of a Mute Grandmother.” Penned by another legendary Kannada author, Dr K Shivram Karanth, who was born and brought up in the coastline region of Karnataka, this was the book that awarded him the prestigious Jnanpith Award.
Mookajjiya Kanasugalu (ಮೂಕಜ್ಜಿಯ ಕನಸುಗಳು) is the story of a grandmother who had lost her husband at a very young age but is also blessed with extrasensory perception with which she can see the history of anything upon touching it, and her take on various aspects of life forms the story. From religion to social relationships, this book perfectly blends modernity and traditionalism, making it stand tall as one of the best Kannada books to read!
3. Bettada Jeeva (ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಜೀವ)
Translates as ‘The life of a Hill’, penned by Dr K Shivram Karanath, personally, I feel this is his must-read work!
If you are a nature lover, Bettada Jeeva (ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಜೀವ) is the Kannada book you should begin with. The way the author depicts the pre-independent remote areas below the western ghats of Karnataka is simply marvelous!
A young freedom fighter lost amidst the forests of Subramanya finds a home for himself with the help of a couple of villagers and decides to stay there for another two days. The couple who shelter him treat him as their son because their actual son had left the homeland intending to be a freedom fighter. But was it the actual reason why he left?
Numerous aspects related to environmental conservation were addressed brilliantly in this book. A Kannada movie titled Bettada Jeeva (ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಜೀವ) based on the novel was also released in 2011. This book deserves your attention!
4. Chidambara Rahasya (ಚಿದಂಬರ ರಹಸ್ಯ)
KP Poornachandra Tejaswi, son of the legendary Kannada author Kuvempu, created his own identity in Kannada literature by writing novels, stories, short stories, and environment-related articles. The genre he explored was a never-before one in Kannada literature!
The story in Chidambara Rahasya (ಚಿದಂಬರ ರಹಸ್ಯ) is set in the backdrop of the Malenadu (ಮಲೆನಾಡು) region, in a small village. However, things get messy, when a murder takes place. With the murder investigation happening on one end, there is a romantic relationship established between two individuals of different communities. The struggle of cardamom cultivators is showcased brilliantly throughout the book.
This work of Tejaswi, however, is a mirror to the rural parts of Indian society!
5. Parva (ಪರ್ವ)
Still remains as one of the widely debated and popular works of SL Bhyrappa, one of the most renowned authors of Kannada literature, Parva (ಪರ್ವ) is a timeless masterpiece. Adapting a nonmythological way of retelling the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Parva (ಪರ್ವ) successfully manages to make the readers understand how certain principles of Mahabharata can still be applied in the modern world. The war episode between Kauravas and Pandavas was discussed by Bhyrappa in this book from a rational point of view.
Know the story of Mahabharata, and are you interested in understanding it deeply? Don’t miss this!
6. Chigurida Kanasu (ಚಿಗುರಿದ ಕನಸು)
The third book of Dr Shivram Karanth is featured on this list. An urban youngster bored with his city life decides to search for his roots and settle down in his native remote village. During his stay, he intends to uplift the villagers and improve their lives by setting up a hydroelectric project forms the basic premise of the story. The problems he faces, as well as his determination, make Chigurida Kanasu (ಚಿಗುರಿದ ಕನಸು) a worthy read!
A Kannada movie titled Chigurida Kanasu (ಚಿಗುರಿದ ಕನಸು) was based on this novel. Similarly, a popular Hindi movie named “Swades” featuring Shahrukh Khan in the lead role drew its inspiration from the same novel!
7. Kaanooru Heggadathi (ಕಾನೂರು ಹೆಗ್ಗಡತಿ)
Written by Kuvempu, this novel shows the collision between modernity and traditionalism perfectly! Set in the rural parts of Malenadu (ಮಲೆನಾಡು), Indira, the protagonist gets married into a traditional family. But the rigid customs and patriarchal control irks her! How she handles all the chaos around her and doesn’t let go of the basic independence she has forms the basic premise of this book.
Kaanooru Heggadathi (ಕಾನೂರು ಹೆಗ್ಗಡತಿ) delves deep into the complex mechanism of social dynamics particularly in the point of view of women, and that makes it one of the best Kannada books to read!
8. Himalayan Blunder (ಹಿಮಾಲಯನ್ ಬ್ಲಂಡರ್)
Penned by one of the most celebrated journalists of Karnataka, Ravi Belagere. However, amongst all the books he has written, personally for me, Himalayan Blunder (ಹಿಮಾಲಯನ್ ಬ್ಲಂಡರ್) stands very tall. This book is a translated version of the English book titled the same written by an Indian Brigadier – John P Dalvi.
However, the original version was banned by the then-Indian Government as Dalvi had exposed the failures of the Indian Government in handling the Indo-China war that took place in 1962.
After losing the war, when Dalvi was held as a captive, he claims to have written all his war experiences in the form of a book, highlighting how the then-Indian Government failed to assist the soldiers. But the book was immediately banned upon its release. However, Ravi Belagere initially explains the effort behind searching for the original copy and translating it!
Fan of war stories? This is one of the best Kannada books to read, if not the best when it comes to the genre of history and war!
9. Amma Helida Entu Sullugalu (ಅಮ್ಮ ಹೇಳಿದ ಎಂಟು ಸುಳ್ಳುಗಳು)
The best feel-good Kannada book for me, any day! Written by AR Manikant, a Kannada journalist, all the stories you read in Amma Helida Entu Sullugalu (ಅಮ್ಮ ಹೇಳಿದ ಎಂಟು ಸುಳ್ಳುಗಳು) are based on real-life incidents with every story conveying one inspirational message. Such is the beauty of this book!
Few stories will make you teary-eyed, few will uplift your confidence, few will make you smile, and few will break your heart too! But overall, this is one of the best Kannada books to read for a beginner!
10. Jugaari Cross (ಜುಗಾರಿ ಕ್ರಾಸ್)
For regular Hollywood movie watchers, consider this one equal a David Fincher’s film!
Jugaari Cross (ಜುಗಾರಿ ಕ್ರಾಸ್) is written by KP Poornachandra Tejaswi, who was known for bringing out stories from the heartland of the Malenadu (ಮಲೆನಾಡು) region depicting its culture! This is a tale that takes place in 24 hours in the ordinary farming couple’s life and all the suspense elements surrounding it. A story set in the in the deep forests of Sahyadri, gear up for a chilling experience!
Not gonna say much; set your expectations sky-high for this one!
Genre-Specific Books In Kannada
Kannada literature, over the years, has explored numerous genres. If you are someone looking for a specific genre and couldn’t find any interesting ones among the books I have mentioned above, I recommend you to try out some of the genre-specific best Kannada books to read:
Crime Thrillers And Dramas
| English | Kannada | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Jadi Maleya Raatri | ಜಡಿ ಮಳೆಯ ರಾತ್ರಿ | Yendmuri Veerendranath, translated to Kannada by Raja Chendoor |
| Kappanchu Bili Seere | ಕಪ್ಪಂಚು ಬಿಳಿ ಸೀರೆ | Yendmuri Veerendranath, translated to Kannada by Raja Chendoor |
| Rangavilasa Bangaleya Kolegalu | ರಂಗವಿಲಾಸ ಬಂಗಲೆಯ ಕೊಲೆಗಳು | Ravi Belagere |
| Bheema Theerada Hanthakaru | ಭೀಮಾತೀರದ ಹಂತಕರು | Ravi Belagere |
Adventure And Expeditions
| English | Kannada | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Karvalo | ಕರ್ವಾಲೋ | KP Poornachandra tejaswi |
| Bermuda Triangle | ಬರ್ಮುಡಾ ಟ್ರ್ಯಾಂಗಲ್ | Pradeep Kenjige |
| Milennium series( A collection of 16 books) | ಮಿಲೇನಿಯಮ್ ಸರಣಿ | KP Poornachandra tejaswi |
Feel Good- Collection Of Short Stories
| English | Kannada | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Appa andre Akasha | ಅಪ್ಪ ಅಂದ್ರೆ ಆಕಾಶ | AR Manikanth |
| Bhavatheerayana | ಭಾವತೀರಯಾನ | AR Manikanth |
| Hampi express | ಹಂಪಿ ಎಕ್ಸ್ಪ್ರೆಸ್ | Vasudhendra |
| Aidu Paise Varadakshine | ಐದು ಪೈಸೆ ವರದಕ್ಷಿಣೆ | Vasudhendra |
| Americadalli Goruru | ಅಮೇರಿಕಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಗೋರೂರು | Goruru Ramaswamy Iyengar |
History (Fiction And Non Fiction)
| English | Kannada | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Ajeya | ಅಜೇಯ | Babu Krishnamurthy |
| Uttarakhaanda | ಉತ್ತರಾಕಾಂಡ | SL Bhyrappa |
| Aavarana | ಆವರಣ | SL Bhyrappa |
| Kargil- Kadana Kathana | ಕಾರ್ಗಿಲ್ ಕದನ-ಕಥನ | Chakravarti Sulibele |
| Rudhirabhisheka | ರುಧಿರಾಭಿಷೇಕ | Babu Krishnamurthy |
Fiction
| English | Kannada | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Kiragoorina Gayyaligalu | ಕಿರಗೂರಿನ ಗಯ್ಯಾಳಿಗಳು | KP Poornachandra Tejaswi |
| Abachoorina Post office | ಅಬಚೂರಿನ ಪೋಸ್ಟ್ ಆಫೀಸು | KP Poornachandra Tejaswi |
| Chomana Dudi | ಚೋಮನ ದುಡಿ | K Shivram Karantha |
| Samskaara | ಸಂಸ್ಕಾರ | U.R Ananthamoorthy |
Science Fiction
| English | Kannada | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Missing Link | ಮಿಸ್ಸಿಂಗ್ ಲಿಂಕ್ | KP Poornachandra Tejaswi |
| Yaana | ಯಾನ | SL Bhyrappa |
How Do You Say “Best Books To Read” In Kannada?
Best books to read in Kannada are called Athyutthama Kannada Pusthakagalu (ಅತ್ಯುತ್ತಮ ಕನ್ನಡ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳು).
Tips To Enhance Your Reading Skills In Kannada
- Start with 2 pages a day. I always recommend you start with a novel as it keeps you hooked on the story.
- Avoid using social media while reading books. Keep your phone away.
- Among the Kannada books mentioned above, choose the genre that suits you and pick any book! Make sure to go through other user reviews as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kannada Books
1. Who Is Called The Father Of Kannada Novels?
Depends on the genre. But in general, BM Srinkataiah (ಬಿ.ಎಂ. ಶ್ರೀಕಂಠಯ್ಯ) is referred to as “Father of Modern Kannada Literature” for his impeccable work in the field of translation.
2. Does Kindle Support Kannada?
As of now, Kindle does not support Kannada. But you can make it work by downloading the PDF on your phone and then sharing it to Kindle.
3. Is Kannada Read Left To Right?
Yes. Kannada, like many other Indian languages, is read from left to right. You can learn more about it on our Kannada alphabet post.
Final Thoughts
We found some of the best Kannada books to read in this blog post!
Overall, this was an informative blog, wasn’t it? Just books and nothing else! Being an ardent fan of Kannada literature, the above books are some of my best recommendations. Each and every book mentioned in this blog is worth giving a shot at because of how uniquely the author has presented and carried the core theme throughout the book.
Wishing you a very happy reading!
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With interactive quizzes, real-life dialogues, and the basics of Kannada, Ling is no doubt an excellent platform to master the language! To even give a fair shot to some of the books I have mentioned above, don’t you think you should learn Kannada?
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