Bhuta Kola

Dr. Purushothama Bilimale ( August 21, 1955) has served for many years as Professor of Kannada at the Kannada University, Hampi, Karnataka and then as a Director at the American Institute of Indian studies, New Delhi. Currently working as Professor of Kannada at the Kannada Language Chair, Centre of Indian Languages, School of Language, literature and Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He had an extensive experience in the area of Indian folklore. He has carried out field work in both Northern and Southern India. He is also familiar with the needs of Indian folkloristics having taught students of folklore and conducted seminars and workshops in many parts of India.

A long-time student of Yakshagana (a South Indian folk performing art), he has learned and performed Yakshagana for the last 30 years. He had published 27 books and more than 75 articles on Indian folklore and literature. During his tenure as a President of Delhi Karnataka Sangha (2004-2008) he was able to build Delhi Karnataka Sangha Cultural complex at the cost of Rs. 10 crores which is now a center of Cultural activities at the National Capital. He has been the recipient of many awards including Karnataka State award and Karnataka Folklore Academy award. He was a fellow of the Japan Foundation during 2009.

Tvarita is a social enterprise that empowers Indigenous artists by bringing traditional Indian art to modern audiences through thoughtful curation and storytelling.