Upendra Bhanja

Upendra Bhanja Biography

Upendra Bhanja is considered as the greatest poet of Oriya Literature and was awarded the title "Kavi-Samrata". Kavi-Samrata, also pronounced as Kabi Samrta means "The Emperor of the Poets" and he was born in royal family. His grandfather King Dhananjaya Bhanja was a great poet who wrote Raghunath Bilash (The Ramayana) and Ratna Manjari. He was the model of young Upendra to start writing. A master of Sanskrit dictionaries such as Amar-Kosha, Trikanda Kosha and Medini-Kosha, he wrote a dictionary Geetabhidhana for helping poets. Though praised for poetic excellence, his works have invited criticisms for sexuality and obscenity in his Kavyas. The literary periodicals The Indradhanu and The Bijuli have always been associated with such criticism and both have supported his writing style. Yet Upendra is an integral part of Riti Yuga period of Oriya Litearature.

 Upendra Bhanja’s birth date known is not accurate. People have difference in opinion and hence considered as in between 1670 and 1688. He was born in a royal family at Kullada, Ghumusara, near the town 'Bhanjanagar', a princely state in Odisha. But he was not interest in the luxurious life of a king. He wanted to lead the life of a poet. He was married twice, both from royal families. His second wife was his real inspiration to write poems. He was a great scholar who mastered great Sanskrit works.  Bhanja wrote some 52 books; but around 25 books are available now. It happened due to the non-availability of printing press then.

His eminent works include - Damayanti Bilasa , Baideheesha Bilasha, Brajaleela, Subhadra Parinaya, Chitrakavya-Bondodhya Labanyabati, Koti Brahmanda Sundari, Padmabati Parinaya , Kala Koutuka, Lavanyabati, Premasudhanidhi, Satisha bilasa, Rasikaharabali, Subhadra-Parinya and Rasaleela.  The first published work is Rasapanchaka and first dictionary in Oriya language is Geeta Abidhan.

Published: N/A

Updated: January 02, 2014