The discourse on national life and character and the idea of national literature life and letters in colonial Orissa

Abstract

The thesis, The Discourse on National Life and Character and the Idea of National Literature: Life and Letters in Colonial Orissa, challenges prevailing views on Oriya [now Odia] nationalism and nation formation during colonial times. It argues for a nuanced understanding, emphasising the multifaceted nature of nation formation, which encompassed familial, social, cultural, political, local, national, and spiritual elements. Rather than being solely politically motivated, Oriya nationalism had broader objectives. By rejecting essentialist notions of Oriya identity, the thesis contributes to a deeper comprehension of colonial Orissa s [now Odisha] history and its contemporary implications for discussions on nationalism and identity. newlineThe research question guiding this thesis is how nation formation in colonial Orissa was shaped by diverse factors beyond political movements and religious influences. Through historical analysis and discourse examination, the thesis explores the transformative impact of print capitalism and Western education on Oriya identity, the revitalisation of Orissa s historical heritage by nationalist leaders, and the promotion of regional nationalism alongside Indian nationalism. newlineChapter 1 examines the influence of print capitalism and Western education on Oriya identity, highlighting the construction of a new identity upon the foundations of the old, emphasising the significance of jatiya jibana as crucial for national identity and newline