MANIPAL (KARNATAKA), Dec 9: Towering literary figure, Jnanapeeth awardee and freedom fighter, Kota Shivarama Karanth, died here today after a brief illness. He was 96.

The nonagenarian was admitted to the Kasturba Medical College Hospital on December 4, where he suffered a cardiac arrest. Karanth, who led an agile life throughout his career, slipped into a coma and was on life saving gadgets till he breathed his last at 11.35 am today.

The Karnataka government, as a mark of respect to the illustrious son, declared a two-day state mourning and a day's holiday today. The government also brought out a special black bordered gazette in which it showered encomiums on Karanth for his contribution to the enrichment of literature and art.

The mortal remains of Karanth would be consigned to flames with full state honours at his native village Kota in Udupi district tomorrow.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.