Radhanath Rai (English: Radhanath Rai, born- 27 September, 1848; died- 17 April, 1908) was a prominent poet of Oriya language literature. He belonged to a Bengali family which had settled in Odisha for generations. His poems created a new tradition in Oriya poetry and influenced subsequent poets till the middle of the twentieth century. Radhanath Roy enriched Oriya poetry by introducing new forms, new themes, a new approach and more freedom than was expected.
Radhanath Rai was born in 1848 AD in Kedarpur village of Balasore. Radhanath was a prominent poet of Oriya language literature. He was physically weak. In those days one had to go to Kolkata for higher education. Due to health reasons he could not stay in Kolkata after the matriculation examination. But one special thing was that he was the first person to pass matriculation in his district. Therefore, he easily got the job of a teacher and later he reached the post of Divisional Inspector of Schools.
Radhanath Rai acquired knowledge of many languages through self-study. The talent for poetry was natural in him. He was a worshiper of nature and saw the power of God in nature. From this point of view, his captivating poetic work ‘Chilika’ became very famous. He composed poetic texts like ‘Kedargauri’, ‘Chandrabhaga’, ‘Maha Yatra’, ‘Usha’ etc. on mythological, historical and imaginary basis. His works reflect patriotism and sympathy towards the poor.
Radhanath Rai died on April 17, 1908.
