Madhusudan Rao

Madhusudan Rao Biography

Madhusudan Rao was a popular Odia poet and writer, who was fondly called Bhaktakabi. He is considered the father of modern Odia poetry. Prabandhamala is his major contribution to Odia literature. Published in 1880, this work is considered the first collection of essays in Odia. He started his literary career as an essayist, and has later authored poetry and fictional work too. He translated a few works into Odia language, of which Uttararamacarita - a Sanskrit play in 7 acts in the Nataka style by Bhavabhuti needs special mention. In collaboration with Radhanath Ray, he has published two volumes of collections of poems entitled Kabitabali in 1870s.

Madhusudan Rao was born on 19 January 1853 in Puri, Odisha. His father worked in police department. As a part of his father’s transferable job in government service, Rao’s childhood days were spent in different towns, where he completed his school studies. He passed FA from Ravenshaw College in 1871. As there was no graduation course in any college of Odisha then, he couldn’t study further. Same year he started his professional career as a teacher. He retired from the profession as Deputy Inspector of Education in 1890, and has travelled across Odisha, as a part of his job teaching in different educational institutions.

Rao’s contribution to Odia literature is outstanding. Known as the father of modern Odia poetry, he also authored the first collection of essays in Odia. He started his literary career as an essayist, and later his literary works branched to translations, poetry etc. He also authored two short stories. Chhandamala in two volumes, Sangitamala, Basanta Gatha, Kusumanjali and Utkalgatha are his poetry collections.

Published: July 23, 2018

Updated: July 23, 2018