Wandering through the world of Malgudi : A trip to RK Narayan's house at Mysore
“A reader
lives a thousand lives before he dies.”
– George R. R. Martin
“We’re almost there,” I jumped excitedly as I stood in front of Swami, Mani, and Shankar’s statue at Yadavagiri circle. "It's just 2 minutes from here, straight down this road," I added, feeling the urgency to reach the destination. When Google Maps finally declared, "You've arrived at RK Narayan's house," it felt like stepping into the heart of Malgudi itself, the mythical world Narayan so lovingly crafted.
Simple, relatable, and narrative …
RK Narayan introduced unforgettable characters like Swami, Mani, Rajam, and
countless others, each seeming to find their real-world counterparts, as I stepped
in to tour the house. The setting itself felt like it could have been plucked
from any of Narayan's stories — perhaps Swami's father sat in the living
room, inquiring about his son's progress; maybe villagers gathered on the porch
to discuss the arrival of Mahatma; or it could have been the home of the
English teacher himself.
As I went through the entrance gate and into the house, I wondered how he
thought about such simple and relatable characters, his story setting, and his
simple language.
Life and times of an enigma …
Nestled in a quiet neighbourhood in Mysore, this two-storeyed building with
a verandah, wide balcony, and red oxide flooring reflects RK Narayan’s
personality. Built in the 1950s by the author himself, it resonates with the
echoes of his time and thoughts. With awards and cherished possessions lining
the walls, the house stands as a testament to his life's work
The ground floor welcomed me with his family portraits, his doctorates, and
an array of prestigious awards garnered in poetry and literature. The walls adorned
his accolades, and the Padma Vibhushan held a place of central honour. A simple
kitchen, a storeroom, and a bathroom spoke volumes about his unpretentious
life.
With snippets from the TV adaption of Malgudi days and the original
manuscripts of his works, the first floor portrayed the episodes of his works,
inspirations, and his early life. The display of his coats, suits, and sweaters
added a personal touch and as I walked around, I could sense his presence.
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The balmy setting whispers Narayan's subtlety and simplicity…
Dotting the walls are photographs: R.K. Narayan in his Oxford days, with
his close friend Graham Greene, and even one with Jawaharlal Nehru. Alongside
these, snippets from friends, family, journalists, and fellow writers bring his
life and work to life. Neatly arranged niches overflow with books from his
collection, fuelling my literary obsession. I couldn't resist adding his
recommendations to my ever-growing reading list.
Sun-drenched rooms, an airy balcony, and little nooks filled with the
author's souvenirs create a truly immersive experience. The well-maintained
garden around adds a sense of allure and serenity. I simply loved what once was
the author’s study, with huge windows letting in the sunlight and a table in
the center, where, I am guessing, he used to sit and read. An aura of old-world
charm permeates these rooms, transporting me back in time. Every corner
whispered a `story, and I savored the experience.
The building, now a heritage site, was acquired by the Mysuru City Corporation in 2011. Meticulously restored and transformed into a museum, it's an open invitation to all who want to explore R.K. Narayan's world. If you find yourself in Mysore, make sure to visit RK Narayan's residence and immerse yourself in the world of Malgudi.
FAQs
Ans: R. K. Narayan, an Indian writer and novelist known, is for his work set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi. He was a leading author of early Indian literature in English along with Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao.
2. What is the writing style of R. K. Narayan?
3. What is the masterpiece of R. K. Narayan?
4. Which character was created by R.K. Narayan?
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