C.D. Narasimhaiah: Teacher and Critic

Abstract

Professor C.D. Narasimhaiah was my teacher at the University of Mysore, for my M.A. (1966-68); he was also the supervisor for my Ph.D. (1968-71), so a personal perspective in this article is inevitable. The first part discusses his unique qualities as a teacher. He end eavoured to teach us to evaluate a piece of writing by examining the words on the page, never by the author's life or reputation. He had the capacity to convey his enthusiasm for the books and authors he loved. He took a personal interest in his students, and continued to mentor me even after I had obtained my Ph. D. The second half of the essay examines CDN's critiques of Indian English literature, ranging from his book review of K.R. Srinivasa Iyengar's Indian Writing in English(1962) to his Samvatsar Lecture (2003).