Betageri Krishna Sharma (1900 – 1982) was a Kannada litterateur. He wrote under the pen name Anandakanda. He began his career as a teacher in a primary school and became the editor of two journals, Matru Bhumi and Svadharma. Inspired by the beauty of Kannada Sahitya (literature), he worked all his life to enrich it. His love for literature motivated him to start a literary magazine, Jayanti.
He contributed to Kannada literature as editor, poet, short
story writer, novelist and dramatist, publishing more than 54 books. His works
ascribe the glory of Indian culture in masterly way. The more popular among his
poetic works are – Muddana Matu, Arunodaya, Kara Hunnime, Virahini, Odanadi, Nalvadugalu
and Utsaha Gita.
He published 43 stories in six collections besides writing
two social and three historical novels. These are – Sudarshana, Rajayogi (Historical novel based on Vijayanagara),
Ashanti Parva (Historical novel based on
Vijayanagara), Mallikarjuna (Historical novel based on Vijayanagara) and Magala
Maduve. His book of essays, Namma Sanskriti Parampare, is noteworthy. In the
field of folklore too he made a significant contribution.
The Karnataka University of Dharwar, honored him with a doctorate.
He was also hailed as Kavi Bhushana.