The Folk Theatre of North Karnataka

Basavaraj Naikar (b. 1949), M.A., Ph.D., D. Litt. (California), Professor and Chairman, Department of English, Karnatak University, Dharwad is a bilingual critic and creative writer. He has published several reviews and research articles both in Kannada and in English in national and international journals. He reviews the Indian literary works regularly for World Literature Today (Oklahoma, USA). He has translated many works from Kannada into English and vice versa. His specializations in teaching and research include Indian English Literature, Indian Literature in English Translation, American Literature, Commonwealth Literature. Anglo-Indian Literature, Religious Literature. Translation Theory and Practice and Creative Writing. He has a passion for music and philosophy in general. His the Thief of Nagarahalli and Other Stories and first historical-political novel, The Sun behind the Cloud dealing with the colonial encounter between Bhaskararao Bhave of Peshwa dynasty and the East India Company's authorities around 1857 have captured the attention of readers and critics. His Kannada publications include Paduvana Nadina Premavira, Kollada Neralu, Huchchuhole, Jogibhavi (staged, broadvast, telecast and prescribed as textbook for B.A. degree), Nigudha Saudha, Goverdhanaram, Asangata, Kannada Asangata Natakagalu, Samrachanavada, Beowulf, Gilgamesh Sahitya Charitre. His English publications Karnataka, Critical Articles on Nirad C. Chaudhri, Musings of Sarvajna, Shakespeare's Last Plays: A Study in Epic Affirmatioon. The Folk-Theatre of North Karnataka, Sparrows, Sandalwood, SangyaBalya, Fall of Kalyana, Kanakadasa: The Golden Servant of Lord Hari, Indian Response to Shakespeare and Indian English Literature, Vols. 1-4.