Book ‘Naubanijyaru Mahatab’ Released in Rourkela, Tracing Odisha’s Glorious Maritime Legacy

Rourkela: The book “Naubanijyaru Mahatab” authored by eminent maritime historian Dr. Lalatendu Das Mohapatra was released on Saturday in a grand book launch ceremony organized by the Cultural Academy, Rourkela, one of the city’s premier literary organizations.

Dr. Das Mohapatra, former Deputy Director of the National Archives of India, is widely recognized for his scholarly contributions to the study of Odisha’s maritime history. His latest work meticulously explores the Odishan maritime tradition, tracing its evolution from ancient to modern times.

The book delves into the maritime power of ancient Kalinga, which flourished as a major hub of overseas trade and cultural exchange with Southeast Asia and beyond from around the 7th century BCE to the 13th century CE. Dr. Mohapatra highlights how Kalinga’s skilled merchants and deep understanding of seafaring made it a formidable force in regional waters, enabling not only economic prosperity but also the spread of Kalingan culture, religion, and ideas across Asia.

The book was formally released by Eminent rationalist and Marxist thinker Gagan Bihari Dhal, while Dr. Pravat Kumar Mallik, retired Professor of History, presented a detailed review of the work, commending its rich research and insightful narrative.

The event was presided over by Pasupati Nath Chatterjee, President of Cultural Academy, and concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Nagen Ku Das. The ceremony drew a distinguished audience comprising intellectuals, writers, and literary personalities from across Rourkela, who appreciated the book’s contribution to preserving and promoting Odisha’s maritime heritage.