Kishorachandrananda Champu :
A Complete Study in Multiple Mediums

by Soumya Biswajit

Complete explanation, critical commentary 

transliteration and translation

along with

complete audios and pattachitra paintings

The Kiśoracandränanda Champü, authored by Kabisürjya Baladeba Ratha, is a monumental work of Odia literature and Odissi music. Considered a magnum opus, it tells the story of Krsna and Radha's union, enabled by Lalita (Radha's close companion), using a set of 34 songs, each one starting with a different consonant from the Odia alphabet.

For centuries, this Champu has lived through Odissi dance and music. It has been partially adapted into performing arts, and taught through oral tradition, yet never in its complete form. This book finally brings the entire Champu together in one place, in its full literary, musical, and aesthetic wholeness, making it the first-ever complete multisensory archival of the Kiśoracandränanda Champü.

It takes you through detailed explanations, critical commentary, and translation, allowing the text to untangle. Each composition is recorded and presented to you via Spotify codes and QRs for YouTube.Each chapter is further illustrated by pattachitra paintings, allowing you to peek into the art and literature of the 18th century.

The book ventures into etymologies, philosophical undercurrents, metaphors, collổquial expressions, and influence of other languages on Odia. Designed as a comprehensive, multisensory companion, it allows the Champu to be read, heard, and visually experienced as a living work of art. It has been crafted for both scholars or serious readers of Odia literature, as well as enthusiasts looking for a peek into the vast world of Odissi music. As you turn these pages, you are invited into a conversation with a timeless text from the late 18th century, leaving you eager to return.

About The Author: 

Soumya Biswajit is a researcher and writer on Odia literature and Odissi music, has performed and discussed about Odissi music at numerous prestigious stages. He aims to make Odia literature and Odissi music more accessible to the public through books, social media, public outreach programmes, baithaks, performances, and lecture demonstrations at universities, colleges, and schools. He is a passionate musician, composer and sitariya belonging to the Etawah Gharana (also known as the Imdadkhani Gharana), learning sitar for 10 years under the tutelage of Guru Sri Subhranil Sarkar, Sri Manmath Pradhan, and Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan.

He has completed his Bachelors from Ramjas, Delhi University and Masters from Utkal University of Culture, specialising in Sitar. He currently holds a senior scholarship under CCRT Govt. of India, Ministry of Culture. Former scholarship holder of Junior Scholarship by CCRT Govt, of India, Ministry of Culture. He has also learnt Odissi music from Pt. Harmohan Khuntia and Sri Nimakanta Routray, tabla from the late Sri Nabakishore Sahoo, Odissi dance from Sri Bharat Charan Giri, painting from Sri Smrutikant Rout and marddala from Dr. Dibakar Parida.