Two Books On Odia Literature & Script Released By SOA In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Two books of importance concerning Odia language were released by Prof Manojranjan Nayak, founder president of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

The books, ‘Jugabhanjanka Dasapoi’ and ‘Prachina Odia Abhilekha’, were brought out by the SOA Centre for Preservation, Propagation and Restoration of Ancient Culture and Heritage of India (PPRACHIN). Both the books are published by SOA.

‘Jugabhanjanka Dasapoi’ was first published in 1875 and then republished in 1952. It was, however, erroneously credited to Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja. Subsequently, it was found that the book was authored by the then King of Boudh Jugabhanja.

The newly released book is a critical edition of the earlier publication and is known as ‘Chitrapothi’ as it contains traditional style paintings on palm leaf. It belongs to the genre of medieval Odia literature spanning 16th to 19th century. It has been edited by Prof Sudarshan Acharya and Prof Gouranga Charan Dash.

The second book, ‘Prachina Odia Abhilekha’, has been edited by eminent epigraphist Prof Subrat Kumar Acharya and traces the evolution of Odia script and language from the ‘Urajam stone inscriptions’ till 18th century. Prof Gayatribala Panda, Head of PPRACHIN was present during the release of the two books.