Mandra, the Saraswati Samman winner for 2010, is one of the most acclaimed epic novels of Bhyrappa. It has already been successfully translated into Hindi and Marathi. Though it takes its theme the classical question of art versus morality, many more subtler and complex issues haunting human life are marvelously interwoven. Rooted deeply in the harsh realities of the world the governing theme evolves like a banyan tree in all directions and picture many home-truths that are inseparable with art, artist, art tradition, art criticism and the world of connoisseurs. Mandra is a musical term which is roughly equivalent to 'lower octave in' in Western music. Though written in Kannada, the novel is astoundingly native to the world of Hindustani music predominantly popular in North India.Hence, It is a beautiful golden bridge that links a North-Indian tune and a south Indian tongue. Even the sweep of events that happen in the story reflects its global nature while beautifully focusing upon the local culture. The technique of narration essentially following a complex and intricate web of stream of consciousness is a metaphor in itself to the process of development of a raga in Hindustani music.

S.L. Bhyrappa, a Winner of Saraswati Samman, 2010