Odia Books

Bisvanath Kar born in 1864,he was one of the greatest pioneers of the nineteenth century Renasissance. He was one among those who were acting as torch-bearers when odisha was encircled by darkness of ignorance. He was born in a conservative brahmin family of the village Mulabasanta in Cuttack District of odisha. He began his traditional education, being encouraged by his father Narayana in the village Parlour with lessons of Sanskirt epic poetry, drama and grammar.

Afterwards he learnt English in Pyarimohan Academy and Mission School of Cuttack. During this period his progressive mind was disturbed by the many superstitions and taboos of Hindu religion. He could not reconcile himself to the idea of Hindu idol worship. So he took the revolutionary step to reform the Hindu society being converted to the Brahma cult of Raja Rammohun Roy.

Bisvanath was great innovator, influential editor and eminent prose writer of modern odia literature. He was famous as the writer of Bibidha prabandha (Miscellaneous essays) which was published prior to the publication of the magazine Utkal sahitya (1897) of which he was the founder editor. Most of the essays of this book were published during 19th century in the famous literary magazine Utkala prabha and Sambalpur hitaishini. In these essays the writer dreamt of a reformed and enlightened society.

He wished there the flowering of free thought instead of the predominance of scriptures. Everywhere he was deeply concerned with the humanitarian thought. He also gave a call to fight against the humiliation of womenfolk, ignorance of the man, racial discrimination, child-marriage, drinking habit and traffic in women. With forceful argument he expressed his views in clear and simple odia language. For almost half a century his hterary monthly, Utkal sahitya, was the literary mouthpiece of odisha.

This journal was responsible for ‘Sabuja movement’ in odia literature towards the second quarter of the twentieth century. For years he used to write in the Utkal sahitya under the heading, ‘Bibidha prasanga’. He also published Satya samadhan. He was nominated by the then government as a member of the Bihar-odisha Council. He will be ever remembered for his strong faith in God, continuing literary work, free thought and attractive and impressive prose writing.

Odia Books By Bisvanath Kar

Bibidha Prabandha
Satya Samadhan

Magazine

Utkal Sahitya
Utkala Prabha
Sambalpur Hitaishini