Author:

Dr.Sujaya Chaki
SACT 1
Department of English
Kaliyaganj College
Uttar Dinajpur,West Bengal,India

Email: sujayachaki@rediffmail.com

Abstract:: Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanswami is one of the pioneers of Indian English literature and a world renowned literary figure of the 20th century. Along with Raja Rao and Mulk Raj Anand , R. K. Narayan has established the Indian novel in English with some of his noteworthy contemporaries. His literary works are characterized by simplicity and pellucidity. Reading the novels of R. K. Narayan it seems that we are experiencing the events of our day to day life. The setting of R. K. Narayan’s story is a fictional South Indian town Malgudi. The touch of humanity is another most interesting aspect of Narayan’s writing style. The two women who have great influence in R. K. Narayan’s life specially in his childhood are his maternal grandmother Parvati /Ammani and mother Gnanambal. He pays tribute to these two vital women of his life through his novels , through his fictional women characters. Little Kunjappa , nick name of our respected R .K. Narayan was brought up by his maternal grandmother Ammani, a respected lady. She had the most enduring influence in his childhood. Gnanambal, R. K. Narayan’s mother also has a great influence in his life. The novelist’s interest in society, believe in Gods, Goddesses, and respect for traditional religious values, special gift of humour, helping mentality and involvement with neighbor came from his maternal grandmother Parvati/Ammani. The ethical and purposeful activity , rational thinking and deep observation as a writer these qualities have come from R. K. Narayan’s mother Gnanambal.

Key Words:: Childhood,Grandmother, Malgudi, Madras, R. K. Narayan etc.