Raja Rao (1908-2006) was a trailblazing Indian-American writer whose literary brilliance illuminated the 20th century. Renowned for his innovative novels and profound essays, he left an indelible mark on Indian literature. In this article, we delve into the life and achievements of Raja Rao, from his early years to his exceptional literary career and contributions.
Raja Rao Wiki, Biography
Raja Rao was born on November 8, 1908, in Hassan, Kingdom of Mysore, British India (now in Karnataka, India). A prolific writer, he authored several novels and short stories, captivating readers with his unique style and thought-provoking narratives. His major works include “Kanthapura” (1938), “The Chessmaster and His Moves” (1988), “The Cat and Shakespeare” (1965), and “The Serpent and the Rope” (1960). Raja Rao also ventured into non-fiction, publishing essays and a biography, “The Great Indian Way: A Life of Mahatma Gandhi” in 1998.
Personal Details
| Name | Raja Rao |
| Birthdate | November 8, 1908 |
| Age at Death | 97 years |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Education | University of Madras, France |
| Nationality | Indian-American |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Caste | Brahmin |
Family Details
Raja Rao hailed from a Kannada Brahmin family. His father, H.V. Krishnaswamy, was a professor of the Kannada language at Nizam’s College, Hyderabad. Tragically, Raja Rao lost his mother, Gauramma, at the tender age of four. He was the eldest among his nine siblings, with seven sisters and a brother named Yogeshwara Ananda.
Relationship, Affairs, and Marriage
Raja Rao’s first marriage was to Camille Mouly, a French professor at Montpellier. They later separated in 1939. In 1965, he tied the knot with Katherine Jones, an American actress, and they were blessed with a son named Christopher Rama. Unfortunately, Raja Rao and Katherine divorced in 1986. In the 1970s, he met Susan Vaught, a student at the University of Texas, whom he married in 1986.
Net Worth
Raja Rao’s net worth is not publicly disclosed.
Career
Raja Rao’s career was multifaceted, encompassing academia, writing, and philosophy. He served as a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin from 1966 to 1986. During his time in France, he became a member of the editorial board of Mercure de France. His literary journey was a testament to his innovative approach, blending Indian literary traditions with European novel-writing conventions.
Famous For
- Authoring groundbreaking novels like “Kanthapura,” “The Chessmaster and His Moves,” “The Cat and Shakespeare,” and “The Serpent and the Rope.”
- His profound essays on various subjects, including Mahatma Gandhi.
- Winning prestigious awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Bhushan.
Facts/Trivia
- Raja Rao was awarded the Neustadt International Prize for Literature for his novel “The Chessmaster and His Moves” in 1988.
- He was honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 2007, posthumously.
- Raja Rao’s life and works continue to inspire scholars and readers worldwide.
Social Links
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| Website/Blog | N/A |
