International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Modernist Movement in Odia Literature: The Revolutionary Renaissance (1866-1920)

Abstract Tracing back to the plight of Odisha we can state that it was started by the alien rule at the middle of the Medieval rule. Lots of atrocities were inflicted upon the Odia identity in the form of disintegration, attack on Odia language by giving her a lower status and imposing foreign nomenclature, and finally lackadaisical attitude of the alien Government towards the precarious condition of the native Odia people. This article tries to draw the attention of readers to how it was in the aftermath of the Great Famine of 1866 that the seeds of nationalism were sown by the educated and learned sons of Odisha which helped in ushering a new era in Odia speaking land. This work also delves into the fact that the result of the modernist movement for literary revivalism was significant as it brought out a notable change in the field of education, health and political atmosphere of Odisha. This article also aims at providing information regarding the hardship of the people of Odisha due to colonial rule and the l the British government’s apathy. The colonial government did very little to preserve Odia identity and language. The objective of this study is to throw some light on the magnificent works of some renowned patriotic and scholarly writers of the state of Odisha. The archival studies were followed to complete the article. Key Words: Kabi Samrat, Bidagdha Kabi, Reetiyuga, Madalapanji, Cutchery