SHORT DESCRIPTION:

“Odia Sahityara Itihasa (Sarala Sahitya) Part II” by renowned scholar Prof. Bansidhar Mohanty is a significant work that delves into Sarala Sahitya, a pivotal period in ancient Odia literature. The book primarily focuses on the Sarala Mahabharata, a monumental epic composed by Sarala Das, considered the father of Odia literature. Mohanty’s work highlights the vast potential and unique transformation that Sarala Sahitya brought to ancient Odia literature. He emphasizes the challenges in researching and presenting a pure version of this literature due to historical complexities and variations in available manuscripts (Pothis). The book also touches upon the historical context of Sarala Das’s time, including the reign of King Kapilendra Deva, and how the Mahabharata composed by Sarala Das is a synthesis of literature, history, and geography, reflecting the contemporary socio-cultural and political landscape of Odisha and India.In essence, “Odia Sahityara Itihasa (Sarala Sahitya) Part II” offers a deep dive into the Sarala era of Odia literature, focusing on the critical analysis of the Sarala Mahabharata based on comprehensive manuscript study and historical insights.