Who is the author of the Marathi novel 'Mrityunjay'?

"Mrityunjay" ("The Conqueror of Death") is a Marathi novel by Shivaji Sawant, published in 1967. It tells the story of Karna, the tragic hero of the Mahabharata.

About Mrityunjay:

• The story is narrated from several points of view, including Karna himself, his mother Kunti, his wife Vrushali, his brother Shon (Shatrutapa), Duryodhana and Lord Krishna.
• It describes Karna's life as the son of Kunti abandoned at birth, raised by a charioteer, insulted because of his low status, and loyal to Duryodhana until death.
• It explores themes of identity, friendship, loyalty, generosity and fate.
• It became one of the most popular Marathi novels and has been translated into many Indian and foreign languages.
• In 1994, Shivaji Sawant became the first Marathi writer to receive the Moortidevi Award (given by the Bharatiya Jnanpith) for "Mrityunjay".

About Shivaji Sawant (1940-2002):

He was born in Ajara, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.

His other famous novels include:

"Chhava" (1979): about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Shivaji Maharaj. It was the basis of the Hindi film "Chhaava" (2025), starring Vicky Kaushal.

"Yugandhar": about Lord Krishna.

He was called "Mrityunjaykar" after his famous novel.

Other famous Marathi writers:

• S. Khandekar: "Yayati"; the first Marathi writer to receive the Jnanpith Award (1974).
• Ranjit Desai: "Swami" (about Peshwa Madhavrao) and "Shriman Yogi" (about Shivaji Maharaj).
• L. Deshpande: humorist; "Vyakti Ani Valli".

Kusumagraj (V. V. Shirwadkar): poet and dramatist; "Natsamrat"; Jnanpith (1987). His birthday, 27 February, is celebrated as Marathi Bhasha Din.

Vinda Karandikar: poet; Jnanpith (2003).

Bhalchandra Nemade: "Kosla" and "Hindu"; Jnanpith (2014).

Why not the other options?

• ✗S. Khandekar wrote "Yayati".
• ✗Ranjit Desai wrote "Swami" and "Shriman Yogi".
• ✗L. Deshpande was a humorist and writer.