Venkatesh Anant Pai Raikar

Venkatesh Anant Pai Raikar (1 March 1912 – unknown) was a Goan writer and translator known for his short stories and translations of Portuguese literature into Marathi.[1]

Early life and education

Venkatesh Anant Pai Raikar was born on 1 March 1912 in Savoi-Verem, Ponda, Goa. He received his primary education up to the sixth grade at home under the guidance of a private tutor. He subsequently moved to his maternal uncle's house in Cumbarjua to receive Portuguese education, after which he completed three years of Liceu schooling in Panaji.[1]

Literary career

Raikar began his writing career in 1932, publishing his debut short story in Lokamitra, a monthly journal based in Khanapur. His work was subsequently featured in periodicals such as Yashwant, Parijat, Dhruva, Chitramayajagat, and Kala.[1]

In 1939, Raikar released his debut collection of short stories, titled Karanjache Tushar. His initial short fiction was characterized by simple prose, vivid characterization, a third-person narrative approach, and thematic harmony. Between 1940 and 1965, he published Saptaswara, a compilation containing seven short stories.[1]

Romance (sringara) functioned as the central emotion in much of Raikar's fiction. In 1950, he authored a romance-driven novel titled Premvedi.[1]

He wrote Bhavana ani Vasana after the Indian annexation of Goa.[2]

Translations and reception

Raikar made a notable contribution to Marathi literature by translating Portuguese-language novels into Marathi. In 1942, he published Teen Taruni, a Marathi translation of a Portuguese novel. The original text featured unrestrained and explicit themes, which Raikar retained in his translation to highlight the original narrative's intensity. As a result of its candid handling of romance and passion, the book faced allegations of obscenity at the time of its publication.[1]

Selected works

Some selected works are:[1]

  • Karanjache Tushar (1939) – Short story collection
  • Teen Taruni (1942) – Translation of a Portuguese novel
  • Premvedi (1950) – Novel
  • Saptaswara (1940–1965) – Short story collection

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Halarnkar, Tanaji, ed. (2000). Konkani Vishwakosh  [Konkani Encyclopaedia] (in Goan Konkani). Vol. 4. Goa: Goa University. pp. 261–262 – via Wikisource.
  2. ↑ "Marathi Literature From Goa: An Overview". www.artandculture.goa.gov.in. Retrieved 2026-07-28.
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