Konarka

Konarka is being published by the Odisha Sahitya Akademi as its mouthpiece since 1958. Pandit Nilakantha Das was the Presient and Gouri Kumar Brahma was the Secretary of the Akademi when the first issue of Konarka was published. The first editorial stated that the magazine is being published as a quarterly as envisaged during the formation of the Akademi. It is named after the famous temple with the hope that it will emulate the Sun god. Sun is the source of light and in Tantrik thoughts Konarka reflects the philosophy of ‘from darkness to light’. Hence it is hoped that Konarka magazine will spread new light of knowledge in the social and literary life of Odisha. The realisation of this expectation, however, will depend on the co-operation of the learned people.

Konarka aims to feature mostly fundamental discussions. The editorial states that literature will become complete if both creative as well as analytical works are generated. Kavya, poetry, drama, short play, story, novel, biography, children’s literature are to find place on its pages as well as criticism and evaluation of these writings.

It was planned initially that Konarka would be published in the months of September, December, March and June. Price per copy would be one rupee and annual subscription would be four rupees. The publication schedule was changed during the second year to the months of April, July, October and January. However, irregularities are found in the publication schedule and 191 numbers have been published in 186 issues till 2019 January.

All these issues are rich in reseach articles, criticisms and essays by both young and established authors. Special issues have been brought out based on specific topics or writers. Some of these special issues are based on – Jagannath literature and culture, Durgapuja, Tribal culture, Children’s literature, Folk literature, Modern poetry, Odia drama, Panchasakha, Gopabandhu, Bhimabhoi, Fakir Mohan, Nilakantha, Baishnab Pani, Mayadhar Mansinha, Pandit Krupasindhu Misra, Pyarimohan Acharya, Sacchi Rautray, Kishoricharan and many more.

(Based on Sambad Sahityakosha entry)

Digitization of the Konarka issues was done by Srujanika with printed copies sourced from – Dr. Sricharan Mohanty, Dr. Kailash Chandra Dash, Dr. Fanindra Bhuahan Nanda, Sri Prasant Kumar Mahakud, Kedarnath Gabeshana Pratisthan, Ramadebi University Odia Department.

Konarka Index

The issues of Konarka magazine can be accessed through the table below. Clicking on a particular ‘volume/issue number’ will open/download the pdf files.

Some sample issues/pages have been provided which can be opened by clicking on these – this will give an idea about the magazine and about the digital formats.

Two indexes – chronological and authorwise – are given which tabulate all the articles in the the volumes/issues of Konarka included here. This will help in looking for particular articles or writings of any author.