The First Odia Magazine: A Brief History of the Odia Press

In 1866, the first Odia magazine, Utkal Deepika, was published in Cuttack, Odisha. This marked the beginning of the Odia press, which has had a long and varied history that spans over a century and a half. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the history of the Odia press, its evolution, and its impact on the Odia language, culture, and people.

The Early Years of the Odia Press

The first Odia magazine, Utkal Deepika, was the brainchild of Gopal Chandra Praharaj, a reformer and social activist who was born in Cuttack in 1839. It was published in 1866 and was the first magazine of its kind in Odisha. The magazine was published in both English and Odia and it featured essays, news, and commentaries. Utkal Deepika also served as a platform for discussing social issues such as child marriage, widow remarriage, female education, and the abolition of untouchability.

Utkal Deepika was followed by the publication of the monthly magazine Mukta Prabaha in 1871. This magazine was published by the renowned journalist and social reformer Radhanath Ray, and it was the first Odia magazine to be published from outside of Cuttack. Mukta Prabaha was an important publication for the Odia community and it played a significant role in the development and promotion of the Odia language and culture.

In 1873, the first Odia daily newspaper, Samaj, was launched in Cuttack. It was followed by the launch of the first Odia weekly, Soubhagyavati, in 1876. Both of these publications were instrumental in introducing the Odia press to a wider audience and promoting the Odia language and culture.

The Growth of the Odia Press

In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the Odia press experienced a period of rapid growth and expansion. This was a result of the increasing demand for Odia publications, as well as the advances in printing technology and the development of a network of railroads and postal services. As a result, several new Odia magazines, newspapers, and books were published and circulated throughout Odisha.

One of the most important publications of this period was the newspaper Samaja, which was launched in 1919. Samaja was the first Odia newspaper to be published from outside of Cuttack, and it had a significant impact on the Odia press and Odia society. It was an important platform for discussing social, political, and cultural issues, and it played a major role in the growth of the Odia language and culture.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the Odia press continued to grow and expand. Several new magazines and newspapers were launched, and they covered a wide range of topics such as politics, literature, science, and social issues. These publications helped to popularize the Odia language and culture and served as an important platform for discussion and debate.

The Impact of

Dated : 01-Feb-2023

Category : Education

Tags : History