Born in 1937, in Ghodgeri, northern Karnataka, Chandrasekhar Kambar is acclaimed for the rich mythopoeic imagination that characterizes all his writing. A stalwart playwright, Kambar is also a well-known writer of poetry, fiction, and literary and cultural criticism in Kannada. He received the Jnanpith Award in 2010. The Government of India also honoured him with the Padmashree in 2001. Kambar’s oeuvre of twenty-five plays comprises many well-known works including Jokumaraswami, Siri Sampige and Mahamayi. He has eleven poetry collections and six novels to his credit. From his earliest novel, Karimayi, to his later works like Chakori and Shikharasoorya, Kambar roots himself in the folk and myth traditions of North Karnataka. His critical writing focuses majorly on folk theatre and folk literature. A man of many interests, Kambar has made five films and several documentaries. He has also composed the music for these films. An illustrious academic and teacher, Kambar has held the posts of the Vice Chancellor, Kannada University (Hampi) and Chairman, National School of Drama (New Delhi).