Silent writer, Malgaokar

Manohar Malgaokar, who died recently was one of few proficient Indian writers in English. He was breathed his last in his home in the jungle village of Jagalbet in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka State. He left behind a trail of memories among the lovers of Indian writers in English.
Being a multi-faceted personality, he was involved in various activities. He was not only a writer, but also a great wildlife lover, an environmentalist, a crusader, a historian, a soldier in the army, an essayist, a game hunter, a mine owner and a civil servant. He epitomized the rural life in his novels as he spent whole his life after he completed his services in the
deep jungle as a security guard to protect the rich flora and fauna.
The author of acclaimed novels like 'A Bend in the Ganges'' that depicted life in the times of violent partition period and 'The Distant Drum' that gave an 'imprint' of the Indian Army during the days of the British Raj, has left a memory that is undiminishable among the minds and heart of his readership. Most of Malgaokar's activities were concentrated during the momentous times of Indian history before Independence and soon after it. The socio-economic milieu of those times form the backdrop of his novels which are usually of adventure and action, probably reflecting someway his own life.
Born rich, he was never attracted by the city culture though most of his education was in Mumbai. His experience as the
Lieutenant Colonel in Maratha Light Infantry during the second World War had given him rich knowledge and an impetus to write novels.
This seemed to be the reason why he wrote his first novel 'Distant Drum', at the age of 47, narrating the life of a soldier on the
battlefield and the spirit of the Indian warrior. He dealt with freedom struggle and pains of split in his novel 'A Bend in the Ganges'. It was 'The Prince' that brought him name and fame. Malgaokar's novels 'Combat of Shadow', 'Devils Wind', 'The Men Who killed Gandhi' were widely read by the readers all over the world. His 'Men in Uniform' was one of the best writings, apart from 'Chatraptis of Kolhapur'.
He also wrote a number of essays and contributed to various newspapers as long as he was able to write. Even at the age of 98
his vast reading habit was reflected in the rich library in his gorgeous bungalow in Jagalbet.
After losing his wife, Manorama, he continued to live in his solitary village house alone like a saint and continued his study of literature and forests. His love for social feelings was also deep. He never forgot 'down to earth' people. He was man who never aspired for publicity and preferred to live a solitary life. However, he never forgot the common masses and never took to any white colored people.
This was the reason why he is called the ''silent writer'' but very popular. After the demise of his wife, books and writings
were his only companions. Even then, he led a ''royal life'' in the deep villages of woods.