Sarala Das Biography In English
Apart from the Mahabharata, Sarala Das wrote several other books in Odia, including Vilanka Ramayana, Chandi Purana, and Asta Sakhi. Vilanka Ramayana is a retelling of the Ramayana with a different perspective, while Chandi Purana is a retelling of the story of Goddess Chandi. Asta Sakhi is a collection of eight love stories set in the context of the Radha-Krishna legend.
Sarala Das (15th century) was a notable Odia poet, scholar and writer who is considered as one of the pioneers of Odia literature. He is best known for his magnum opus, the Mahabharata, which he translated from Sanskrit to Odia language.
Sarala Das was born in a Brahmin family in the village of Kanakavati in present-day Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha. He was a scholar in Sanskrit and also proficient in Odia language. He is believed to have started writing the Odia Mahabharata in the 15th century, during the reign of King Kapilendra Deva of the Gajapati Empire.
The Odia Mahabharata by Sarala Das is distinct from other regional versions of the epic in its emphasis on the supremacy of Lord Jagannath, a deity revered in Odisha. The text also includes elements of local folklore and culture. Sarala Das wrote the Mahabharata in the form of a kavya (poem) and divided it into seven khandas (books).
Apart from the Mahabharata, Sarala Das also wrote several other works in Odia, including Vilanka Ramayana, Chandi Purana, and Asta Sakhi. His writings had a significant influence on Odia literature and are still popular among readers in the region.
Sarala Das passed away in the 15th century, but his legacy continues to live on through his writings. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets and scholars in Odia literature and a major contributor to the development of the language.
Contribution Of Sarala Das
Sarala Das' contribution to Odia literature is significant not just because of the Mahabharata, but also because of his other works. Vilanka Ramayana, for example, is a retelling of the Ramayana that is believed to have been written before the Mahabharata. The text is notable for its portrayal of Ravana as a tragic hero rather than a villain, and for its use of colloquial language and local idioms.
Chandi Purana, another work by Sarala Das, is a retelling of the story of Goddess Chandi, a form of the goddess Durga who is worshipped widely in Odisha. The text is notable for its use of imagery and vivid descriptions, and for its portrayal of women as strong and powerful figures.
Sarala Das' Asta Sakhi, which translates to "Eight Female Friends", is a collection of eight love stories set in the context of the Radha-Krishna legend. The text is notable for its lyrical language and its depiction of the complexities of love and relationships.
Sarala Das' works have had a lasting impact on Odia literature and culture. His use of colloquial language and local idioms helped to standardize the Odia language and make it more accessible to a wider audience. His emphasis on local folklore and culture also helped to create a distinct identity for Odia literature.
In recognition of his contribution to Odia literature, Sarala Das is honored with the title "Adi Kabi" (first poet) and his birth anniversary is celebrated as "Sarala Dasa Jayanti". Today, his works continue to be read and appreciated by people across Odisha and beyond, making him a significant figure in the literary and cultural history of the region.
