Biography of Fakir Mohan Senapati


(1843-1918)

Fakir Mohan Senapati, a pioneer of modern Oriya literature, was born in a Khandayat family in a small village Mali Kashapur near Balasore town. He lost his parents when he was very young. Thereafter, he was brought up by his grandmother.


Fakir Mohan Senapati could not receive higher education due to shortage of money. Later he joined a school as a teacher. But his inner longing for literature did not diminish and soon he proved himself to be the master of English, Sanskrit and Bengali literature. He founded a press at Balasore in 1868 by the name Utkal Press'.


He was associated with many institutions and organisations of Oriya literature. He wrote many stories, novels and poetry. He was Orissa's first and foremost admirable character. He was the key creator of modern Oriya's short stories and novels. He is considered as "Vyasa Kabi'. His contribution in giving a right direction to Oriya literature is invaluable.