Daijiworld Media Network – Karwar (SP)

Karwar, Jun 16: Manohar Mulgaonkar (98), who rose to fame through of his popular English novels, breathed his last at his home in Jagalbet in Joida taluk of Uttara Kannada district, on the night of Monday June 14. He was suffering from age-related complications since the last some years.

Mulgaonkar used to stay alone in his sprawling Baraboosa Bungalow. In his death, the huge bungalow, its rich library, and the field of English literature, have suffered a great loss. Mulgaonkar is considered only next to R K Narayan as far as contributions to English literature from writers from Karnataka are concerned. His novel, ‘The Prince’ has won laurels both in the country and abroad. His other popular works include ‘Men in Uniform’, written on the basis of his experience as an army officer, and ‘Chatrapatis of Kolhapur’. He also penned stories and historical books.

Mulgaonkar popularized English literature, through his fictions that were fluent, pleasant and easily understandable. Because of these qualities, he had a good readership following from India. He had completed his degree from the then Bombay University and worked in Maratha Light Infantry as an officer.

The writer, who was born in a rich family, lived in his bungalow in Joida taluk, as if he had sacrificed his worldly attachments, since the last several years. His wife, Manorama, and only offspring, Sunita, had died in 1993 and 1998 respectively.