PREFACE
This first volume of the Typical Selections from Oriya literature contains selections from the writings of the early Oriya poets as well as from the works of five poets of the mediaeval period. The second section of Vol. I in which mediaeval poetry is exhibited, remains to be concluded in Vol. II which is in the press. Of the introductory essays proposed to be published, only two have been prefixed to this volume; other essays, relating not only to the poets themselves but also to the philology of the Oriya language, will appear in Vol. II and Vol. III. Remarks regarding the general character of the publication are premature at this stage.
It ought to be mentioned that the idea of bringing out typical selections from the literary works of various times and various provinces originated with Sir Asutosh Mukerjee, and it is at his initiative that these and similar other typical selections are being published by the Calcutta University. There is hardly any need to point out how these publications will stimulate and help research in the field of history and philology.
Readers will find the name of Maharaja Sri Sir Bir Mitrodaya Sing Deo, the Feudatory Chief of Sonepur State, inscribed on the title page of this work. Of his many patriotic acts, we count the very liberal assistance he has given towards the publication of these selections a most important one. It will not be out of place to mention here that in order to make the Oriya language a subject for the M.A. Examination the Maharaja has created a chair in his own name in the Post-Graduate Arts Department of the Calcutta University. Maharaja Sri Sir Bir Mitrodaya Sing Deo has been an example to others, and his name will always be most gratefully remembered by his countrymen.
B. C. Mazumdar.
