RK Narayan - An Indian Origin Writer Who is Read Worldwide

Introduction: 

R.K. Narayan, one of India's most celebrated and influential writers of the 20th century, was born on October 10, 1906, in Madras (now Chennai). Narayan's literary legacy continues to attract readers worldwide with his rich storytelling and vivid portrayal of Indian life. And today we will discuss his early life, education as well as literary career. 

RK Narayan and his works

RK Narayan’s Early Life: 

Narayan's father, R. V. Krishnaswami Iyer, was a school headmaster, and his mother, Gnanambal, was a homemaker. The family lived in a small town called Madras, which later served as the inspiration for the fictional town of Malgudi in his literary works. He was the oldest of three sons in a traditional Brahmin family. During his early years, Narayan's exposure to literature and storytelling came from his grandmother, who narrated traditional Indian myths and epics to him. This early exposure to storytelling lighted up his imagination and kindled a love for literature. 

Narayan's formal education began at a local school in Madras, where he studied in English medium. English literature fascinated him, and he became an avid reader of both Indian and Western classics. Inspired by authors like William Wordsworth, Mark Twain, and Charles Dickens, he started writing short stories even as a young boy. 

In 1920, Narayan moved to Mysore to live with his maternal grandmother and pursue his higher education at Maharaja's College. It was during his college days that he began writing a weekly column for a local newspaper, "The Hindu," which marked the beginning of his career as a writer. 

After completing his education in 1930, RK Narayan faced several challenges in finding a steady job. He briefly worked as a schoolteacher and tried his hand at various entrepreneurial ventures, which did not succeed. Despite these setbacks, he remained committed to his writing. In 1933, Narayan's first published work, a book review of Edward Thompson's "The Hound of Heaven," appeared in "The Hindu." This marked the beginning of his writing journey, which culminated in the publication of his first novel, "Swami and Friends," in 1935. The novel's success encouraged him to continue writing and he never look behind. 

RK Narayan’s famous literary works: 

RK Narayan gave many masterpieces to us. One of Narayan's most significant contributions to Indian literature was his portrayal of everyday life in a rapidly changing country. He emphasizes social issues, and human emotions in his narratives, allowing readers to relate to the characters and themes on a deeply personal level. Now, we will present his works in chronological order.

Swami and Friends (1935): Narayan's debut novel introduces readers to the fictional town of Malgudi and follows the adventures of a young boy named Swaminathan and his friends. 

The Bachelor of Arts (1937): A coming-of-age novel that revolves around the life of Chandran, a college student in Malgudi. 

Malgudi Days (1943): A collection of short stories set in the fictional town of Malgudi, capturing the lives of its diverse inhabitants and their everyday struggles and triumphs. 

The English Teacher (1945): This novel is a semi-autobiographical account of Narayan's own experiences, dealing with grief and spirituality after the death of his wife. 

The Financial Expert (1952): The novel delves into the life of Margayya, a financial expert who tries to attain wealth and success but faces moral dilemmas along the way. 

The Guide (1958): Arguably one of Narayan's most famous works, this novel follows the life of a tour guide, Raju, who undergoes a transformation and becomes a spiritual guide. 

The Man-Eater of Malgudi (1961): A satirical novel that revolves around Nataraj, a printer and publisher, and his encounter with a taxidermist. 

The Vendor of Sweets (1967): This novel explores the generational and cultural divide between a traditional sweet vendor, Jagan, and his modern-minded son, Mali. 

A Tiger for Malgudi (1983): The story of a circus tiger, Raja, and his escape to the jungle, seeking his true identity and purpose. 

Grandmother's Tale (1992): A collection of folktales and myths narrated by Narayan's grandmother, which served as inspiration for his storytelling. 

These works showcase R.K. Narayan's exceptional storytelling abilities, his keen observations of Indian life and culture, and his mastery of blending humor, irony, and poignant human emotions into his narratives. His books have not only become classics of Indian literature but also earned him a dedicated readership worldwide. 

R.K. Narayan's legacy lives on, not only through his literary works but also in the hearts of millions who have found solace, joy, and enlightenment within the pages of his books.