Swabhaba kabi Gangadhara Meher was a renowned poet of the 19th century from Pasmimachal. Though poor in wealth and education, he remained one of the most prolific and original contributor to Odia literature.
He born in 9th August 1862 on the full moon day of Shravana Purnima at Barpali, Bargarh district of Odisha and died in 4th April 1924. Gangadhara got married at the age of 10. As his father’s pecuniary condition was not satisfactory, Gangadhar used to go to school in the morning and help his father in weaving in the afternoon. His clear and beautiful hand writing also garnered attention from many people willing to get their transcribed by him. The pecuniary condition of the family improved a bit due to his hard labour when to the misfortune of the family, the ancestral house caught fire. Zamindar of Barpali, Lal Nruparaj Singh offered him the post of an Amin (Patwari). Coming to learn of amicable behaviours and good virtues of Gangadhara, the Zamindar promoted him to the post of a Moharir. He continued to serve in the said post and was transferred to Sambalpur, Bijepur and Padmapur and at last transferred to him own native place Barapali on a salary of Rs.30/- P.M.
The poet was very liberal and progressive socially. During the last age of his life, the poet organized an All Odisha Social Conference of Mehers with a view to uplifting the entire weaver society. Nearly three thousand Mehers from different parts of Odisha assembled in the Conference. The poet put up twelve proposals for the reform of the society and all were passed unanimously.
Famous Writings
- Tapaswini
- Rasa-Ratnakara
- Balarama-deba
- Pranaya Ballari
- Kichaka Badha
- Indumati (First Published work)
- Ayodhya Drusya, Padmini (Last work)
- Kabita Kallola
