Kanhu Charan Mohanty is one of the most prominent Odia writers of the early twentieth century. His work serves a lasting impact for generations to come. Writing on major predicaments, his words hold great gravity as a medium representing masses who were unheard. Being an upper caste, his work highly portrayed the marginalised and raised questions about increasing inequality and differences in society. Born on 11th August 1906 in Nagabali village of Cuttack and proceeding to publish his first novel Utshabe Bysane 1923-24, he was set to bring a major change and direct the course of Odia Literature. In Mohanty’s literary career of six decades from 1930 to 1985, he wrote fifty-six novels.
Mohanty for decades produced his literary work as a set of awakening calls for society. Carrying a progressive and critical stance aiming for representation and equality for all. Dealing and shedding light on subjects that were need of the hour, in the early twentieth century. Distancing from the majority and focusing more on the lines of the minority. His novels depicted social realism, caste and economic exploitation, and the plight of those in dire need. Bhala Paibara Sesha Katha and Tunda Baida published in 1944 . The former depicts untouchability and the latter deals with patriarchy-provoked marriage between a widow and her brother-in-law.
His novels were the voice of those who were unheard and overpowered by more working dominant forces in society. His novels conveyed the issues and confinements that women faced and the need for emancipation from prolonged breeding issues in society. Kaa (Impersonation, 1956) raises awareness about female infertility and maternal death. Nishpatti 1930 is considered one of the first novels to show marital relations between a child and widow. Incorporating actual geographical locations specifically Coastal Odisha in his novels was a significant element in his writing. Apart from that, his illustration is composed of longing for a Utopian world while representing human life in the near future.
Shasti considers ‘one of the best progressive writing in Oriya’ and ‘one of the earliest novels to use psychoanalysis to reveal different moods and emotions of his character.’ A novel of deprivation, Haa Anna 1935 based on the Odisha famine of 1866 and Shasti elaborates further on the aftermath during the years 1866 and 1870. His works are on a great pedestal, Kaa was republished by the Government of Odhisa to generate awareness amongst youth.
Mohanty’s novels have been turned into film adaptations such as Abhinetri 1965 ( The Actress), Tunda Baida 1987, and Kaa 1965 which was awarded the Certificate of Merit for the Best Feature Film in Odia at the 14th National Film Awards.
Mohanty has been awarded several awards for his literary work. Sahitya Akademi in 1958, He was selected as its fellow in 1958, Sahitya Akademi Fellowship serving as the highest honour by the Akademi but the honour could not be conferred as he passed away on 6th April 1994.
