Relationship

Relationship (1980) is one of Jayanta Mahapatra's most celebrated works, and it earned him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award, making him the first Indian poet in English to receive the honor. This long poem is a deeply personal exploration of Mahapatra's connection to his homeland, Odisha. Blending myth, history, and personal reflection, Relationship delves into the poet's intimate bond with the land, its ancient temples, rivers, and rich cultural heritage.

Through the poem, Mahapatra evokes the past and present of Odisha, using imagery of the Sun Temple at Konark, the sacred rivers, and the struggles of its people. The work is both lyrical and introspective, capturing his search for identity and belonging, while also reflecting on the broader human condition. Relationship stands as a testament to Mahapatra's ability to weave the local with the universal, making it a cornerstone of modern Indian English poetry.