Versatile Kannada writer-critic GS Amur dies at 95

Bengaluru: Noted Kannada writer and critic Dr GS Amur died here on Monday due to age-related ailments. He was 95.

Amur passed away in his sleep at his residence, a family member told reporters.

The litterateur, known for his proficiency in both Kannada and English, was a recipient of several prestigious honours, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Rajyotsava Award and the Bharatiya Bhasha Award.

Born in Bommanahalli of Dharwad district in 1925, he started his career as an English professor and taught in various universities of Karnataka and Maharashtra.

As a noted critic of English literature, he wrote extensively about the works of late RK Narayan and Raja Rao, both hailing from the state.

His much-acclaimed books in Kannada include “Are Kannada Kadambariya Belavanige”, “Arthaloka”, “Vyavasaya” and “Kaadambariya Swaroopa”.

Amur’s English works included “Forbidden Fruit, Views on Indo-Anglian Fiction” and “Colonial Consciousness in Commonwealth Literature”.

His works on the poetry of Jnanapeetha awardee, the late Da Ra Bendre, and on the works of AN Krishnaraya, Sriranga and on the evolution of the Kannada novel are highly acclaimed and enjoy a vast readership even to this day.

He received the Sahitya Academy award in 1996 and the highest literary award of Kannada, the Pampa award, in 2006.

It was just over a week ago that the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) announced this year’s Nrupatunga award for lifetime’s work in literary criticism to Amur.

In his condolence message, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said: “Amur had equal command over English and Kannada. He was the leading figure in critiquing modern Kannada literature.”