Jayanta Mahapatra Quiz : Jayanta Mahapatra (1928-2023) was a renowned Indian poet, essayist, and translator, known for his remarkable contribution to Indian English poetry. Born in Cuttack, Odisha, his life was shaped by the tension between his Christian family background and Odisha’s Hindu-majority culture. This inner conflict, as Mahapatra described, made him feel like an outsider in his own land.
Though a physics teacher at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, his real passion was poetry. He began writing poetry in his forties, yet quickly earned fame for his unique style that combined Odisha’s cultural essence with universal human emotions. His famous poems like Dawn at Puri and Hunger reflect both spiritual beauty and social realities.
Mahapatra’s poetry is known for vivid descriptions of nature, human suffering, and religious elements, often revolving around Puri, Lord Jagannath Temple, and the Odisha coastline. His style is simple, conversational, and deeply emotional, with images that depict decay, death, and human dilemmas.
In 1981, he became the first Indian poet writing in English to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award for his collection Relationship. He also received many other prestigious honours, including the Padma Shri (2009), Jacob Glatstein Memorial Award, and Tata Literature Lifetime Achievement Award.
Apart from poetry, Mahapatra translated Odia literature into English and edited the respected literary magazine Chandrabhaga. Though his later works faded from the limelight, his contribution to Indo-English literature remains significant.
Quick Facts about Jayanta Mahapatra
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth & Death | 22 Oct 1928 – 27 Aug 2023, Cuttack, Odisha |
| Famous Works | Relationship, A Rain of Rites, Temple |
| Awards | Sahitya Akademi Award, Padma Shri, Jacob Glatstein Memorial Award |
| Literary Themes | Odisha’s culture, nature, human suffering, religious elements |
| Languages Written In | English & Odia |
| Other Roles | Translator, Editor (Chandrabhaga) |
Jayanta Mahapatra Quiz
FAQ Section
Q1. Who was Jayanta Mahapatra?
He was a renowned Indian English poet known for his introspective poetry rooted in Odia culture.
Q2. Which is Jayanta Mahapatra’s most famous poetry collection?
Relationship (1980), which won the Sahitya Akademi Award.
Q3. When did Mahapatra win the Sahitya Akademi Award?
In 1981, becoming the first English-language Indian poet to receive it.
Q4. What themes are common in Mahapatra’s poetry?
His works explore cultural identity, decay, death, nature, and human dilemmas.
Q5. Is Mahapatra important for RPSC English Literature Exams?
Yes, his life, works, and awards are frequently included in RPSC and similar competitive exams.
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