Composed in the early phase of Dr. S L Bhyrappa’s literary career, Dharmashree(1961) deals with the evils of religious conversion and the trauma it causes—at the levels of the individual, family, and society. The subtle and nefarious attempts of Christian missionaries and their relentless attempts at undermining Hinduism for the sake of proselytization are vividly brought out in this novel.
Dharmashree depicts the episodes in the life of Satyanarayana, a staunch adherent of Sanātana-dharma, who ends up falling in love with a Christian girl, Lily. Initially a harsh critic of Hinduism, Lily is deeply influenced by Hindu ideals as she wades past discussions and arguments with Satya. Lily’s father would never marry her off to a non-Christian, so what does Satya do?
The issues that Bhyrappa raises in this work—authored over sixty years ago—continues to be relevant because even today, thousands of Hindus are getting converted to other religions, creating a rift in their families and the society. The English translation of Dharmashree has been undertaken by Prof. L. V. Shanthakumari, a renowned scholar, literary critic, creative writer, and translator.
Ashish Iyer –
This is a beautiful and powerful novel that I had been eagerly awaiting, and it did not disappoint. Dharmashree marks my 18th journey into the world of Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa, and once again, he proves why he remains one of the most fearless and thought-provoking voices in Indian literature. Though written in the 1960s, the themes explored in this book resonate profoundly even today, underscoring its timeless relevance.
The novel courageously addresses the complex and emotionally charged issue of religious conversion—a subject few authors dare to explore with such honesty. At the heart of the story is Satya, a devout Hindu who converts to Christianity to marry Lily. Yet, the conversion triggers a deep, inner conflict within him. His soul, anchored in his original faith, cannot reconcile with the imposed identity, leading to a haunting exploration of identity, love, and spiritual truth. Bhyrappa presents Satya’s trauma with remarkable empathy, weaving a narrative that is both tender and piercing.
Educational institutions also find a significant mention in the novel, especially how they are subtly used to advance religious agendas. Satya, who becomes a headmaster, is seen enforcing the bishop’s orders to make Bible recitation mandatory. This results in protests from Hindu students—a portrayal that mirrors present-day issues, where many convent schools discourage visible expressions of Hindu identity such as bindis, bangles, kalava, and kada.
The novel also casts a critical eye on the aggressive proselytization tactics employed by missionaries, especially in rural India. Bhyrappa captures the vulnerability of isolated villages, some of which are shown to have undergone complete conversion, highlighting the social and cultural erosion that follows. His insights into the methods used to sway the rural population are sharp and unflinching.
Another striking aspect is Bhyrappa’s commentary on the political atmosphere of the time. He notes how certain Congress leaders spread bizarre rumors in villages—such as claiming that if people joined the RSS, America would bomb them. These reflections expose the political manipulation and fear-mongering that plagued post-independence India.
This book was undeniably ahead of its time. Bhyrappa foresaw how religious conversion would become a major flashpoint in India’s future, and today, his predictions ring truer than ever. We are witnessing its implications across Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, the North-East, and among tribal communities throughout the country.
Beyond its potent message, the novel beautifully captures the rustic charm of post-independence Mysuru. Bhyrappa’s vivid storytelling immerses readers in village life, its rhythms, dilemmas, and the haunting silence of moral conflict. He also references several important works throughout the novel, which I’m now inspired to explore.
Dharmashree is available in Kannada, Sanskrit, Marathi, and Sanketi—a testament to its wide appeal and cultural importance. This book is not just a story; it is a mirror held up to society, daring us to reflect, question, and feel.