SHORT DESCRIPTION:

“Odia Sahityara Itihasa (1803-1920)” by Dr. Natabara Samantaray is a monumental and comprehensive historical account of Odia literature. Published in 1964 and based on his Ph.D. thesis, this book meticulously texts but also employs seemingly non-literary sources like administrative reports, policy documents, missionary tracts, and even school examination questions to illuminate the complex literary changes of external factors influenced the education system, fostered a new readership, and shaped the development of modern Odia literature. The book is particularly noted for prominent Odia authors like Fakir Mohan explores the evolution and significant works of Odia literature during a crucial period, from the early 19th century to the early 20th century. What sets this work apart is Samantaray’s innovative approach to literary history. He doesn’t solely rely on literary the era. He demonstrates how these its insightful analysis of the works of Senapati and Radhanath Ray. Samantaray’s
[5:12 pm, 23/2/2026] 917064278961: study of Senapati’s novels, for instance, delves into how they captured the social transformations in Odia society during that period. Essentially, “Odia Sahityara Itihasa (1803-1920)” is a pioneering work that blends meticulous documentation with objective analysis, providing a foundational and critically acclaimed understanding of a pivotal period in Odia literary history.