1. Introduction
The nineteenth century marked a period of significant socio-cultural awakening in Odisha, primarily driven by the impact of western civilization on Indian society . This movement was spearheaded by the English educated elite class and was influenced by factors such as Christian missionaries, the introduction of English education, the growth of the Press, and socio-religious reform movements in Bengal .
2. Role of Christian Missionaries
The activities of Christian Missionaries were pivotal in initiating socio-cultural changes. While their primary aim was proselytisation, they acted as pioneers of westernization and modernization .
- Literature and Translation: In 1809, William Carey (Baptist Missionary of Serampore) released the Odia version of the New Testament . Missionaries like Amos Sutton wrote non-Christian books including an Odia Grammar, History, Geography, and a dictionary .
- Education: By the end of 1823, missionaries were running fifteen vernacular schools at Cuttack . In the same year, they established the first English School (Anglo-Vernacular) in Odisha at Cuttack .
- Press and Journalism: They established the first printing press of Odisha at Cuttack in 1837 . They launched the earliest journals such as Jnanaruna (1849), Prabodh Chandrika (1856), and Arunodaya (1861) .
- Social Reform: Missionaries established orphanages for destitute children and rescued Meriahs (victims of human sacrifice) . They also interacted with indigenous religious figures like Sadhu Sundar Das of Kujibar, who preached theism and denounced idolatry .
3. Spread of English Education
The introduction of English education facilitated socio-cultural changes, although progress for women was slow due to social prejudice and child marriage .
- Royal Patronage: Maharaja Krushna Chandra Bhanja of Mayurbhanj donated Rs. 20,000 to make Ravenshaw College a permanent institution in 1881 . The Raja of Khallikote extended patronage to the college in Berhampur in 1878 .
- Connectivity: The construction of railways in 1896 enabled Odia students to travel to Calcutta for higher education .
4. The Brahmo Movement in Odisha
The new elite class was significantly influenced by the Brahmo Samaj, which advocated for monotheism and social reforms like the abolition of child marriage and the introduction of widow marriage .
- Establishment: In 1869, Haranath Bhattacharya formed the Utkal Brahmo Samaj at Cuttack . Key leaders like Pratap Chandra Mazumdar visited Cuttack in 1875 to address meetings .
- Key Figures: Prominent Odias influenced by this faith included Fakir Mohan Senapati, Madhusudan Rao, Pyari Mohan Acharya, and Bishwanath Kar .
- Patronage: Rulers like Maharaja Bhagirathi Mahendra Bahadur of Dhenkanal and Maharaja Shrirama Chandra Bhanjadeo of Mayurbhanj supported the movement .
- Impact: While it failed to penetrate the Brahmanical orthodoxy of the masses, it deeply influenced the intelligentsia and students .
5. Indigenous Reform: Mahima Dharma
In the late 19th century, Mahima Dharma emerged as an indigenous religious cult among the lower castes and tribals .
- Nature of Movement: It was a challenge to Brahmanical orthodoxy and turned specifically against Jagannath worship .
- Contrast with Brahmo Samaj: Unlike the Neo-Hindu movements that were reactions to Western philosophy and Christianity, Mahima Dharma derived its criticism directly from Hindu tradition without intrinsic Western influence .
6. Literary Awakening
The growth of education led to a literary awakening, essential for the preservation of the Odia identity.
- Pioneers: Fakir Mohan Senapati and Radhanath Roy were the torchbearers of this movement .
- Fakir Mohan Senapati (1847-1918): A self-made scholar, he enriched the language through his novels, poetry, and journalism . He established a press at Balasore to counter the propaganda by some Bengalis who advocated for Bengali medium in Odia schools .
- Significance: This literary awakening laid the foundation for the movement for a separate political identity for Odias .
7. Conclusion
The 19th-century awakening in Odisha was driven by an educated elite class inspired by reforms elsewhere in India. They focused on education and women's upliftment . However, the process of social regeneration was slackened by the slow progress of education and the lack of a strong, large intellectual elite .
