Mandra (Hardback)

A first of its kind, Mandra is a treat for lovers of music and novels alike. It depicts the north Indian classical music scene through the lives of its fictional characters. Throughout the story, the characters such as Ramkumari, Lauren Smith, Madhumita, Manohari Das, Javari Bai, and Chunni connect with Mohanlal, who is the protagonist of the story, through music.

Mandra takes the essence of music and imbues it into its characters’ lives, making music the real protagonist of the story. It is a remarkable literary feat that has arguably not yet been achieved by any other author.

The story delves into the intimate relationship between an artist and his chosen art form, against the backdrop of societal norms and values. The writer believes music is one of the purest paths through which one can gain spiritual enlightenment. Through the intricacies of music and the soul, and through the inter-relations of the different characters, the author delves into the sea of questions that can plague any observant human being. The issues of morality, philosophical wanderings, and the meaning of life; the book touches it all.

As unique as the book, a program rendering a musical depiction of the novel was organized by Odugara Balaga at Mangalore’s University College. Mandra Sangeetha celebrated the musical essence of Mandra by describing the novel through music. It is this and a lot more that makes this book a musical epic. In 2010, for this novel, S. L. Bhyrappa received the 20th Saraswati Samman, an annual award given in recognition to remarkable works of poetry or prose in any Indian language.

It has also been translated into Hindi and Marathi.