Analyze the "Riti" school of poetry with special reference to Kavi Samrat Upendra Bhanja. Discuss the use of ornate language in Vaidehisha Vilasa.

The Riti School of Poetry: Upendra Bhanja and Vaidehisha Vilasa | OPSC Mains

Introduction

The Riti Yuga (approx. 1650–1850 AD) represents the medieval formalist phase of Odia literature, characterized by stylistic sophistication, eroticism (Sringara), and linguistic virtuosity. Moving away from the simple devotion of the Panchasakhas, this era focused on the "Kavya" tradition. The undisputed sovereign of this school was Kavi Samrat Upendra Bhanja, whose works represent the pinnacle of lexical complexity and structural brilliance in Odia poetry.

Characteristics of the Riti School

The Riti school emphasized form over content. Its primary features included:

  • Chitra-Kavya: Use of mathematical and pictorial arrangements of words.
  • Alankara: Extensive use of rhetorical figures like metaphors, similes, and alliteration.
  • Sringara Rasa: A preoccupation with aesthetic beauty and the romantic union or separation of lovers.

Upendra Bhanja and 'Vaidehisha Vilasa'

Upendra Bhanja, a scion of the Ganjam royal family, authored 52 works, with Vaidehisha Vilasa being his masterpiece on the Ramayana. It is a monumental example of ornate language:

  • The 'Ba' Constraint: In a feat of unparalleled craftsmanship, every single line of the entire Vaidehisha Vilasa begins with the Odia consonant 'Ba' (ବ). This 'Yamaka' style demonstrates his absolute command over the Odia lexicon.
  • Dwinarthaka (Double Entendre): Bhanja utilized Shlesha (puns) where a single verse could be interpreted as a description of both Rama and Krishna simultaneously.
  • Auditory Excellence: His use of Anuprasa (alliteration) created a rhythmic musicality that made his works popular among the Pala and Daskathia performers, despite their complexity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Upendra Bhanja was not just a poet but a word-architect who pushed the Odia language to its aesthetic limits. While critics sometimes label the Riti school as artificial, Vaidehisha Vilasa remains a testament to the cultural refinement and linguistic wealth of medieval Odisha. Bhanja's legacy ensured that Odia literature could compete with Sanskrit classics in terms of technical perfection and artistic grandeur.