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Gopala Chandra PraharaJ (ଗୋପାଳ ଚନ୍ଦ୍ର ପ୍ରହରାଜ) (09 September 1874 - 16 May 1945) was a writer & linguist in Odia language. Generally known as the compiler of Purnachandra Odia Bhasa Kosha, he also contributed significantly to odia literature by his vast work in prose. A lawyer by profession Praharaj wrote several satirical & analytical essays in magazines like Utkal Sahitya, Rasachakra, Nababharata, Satya Samachar etc. on the social, political & cultural issues of contemporary Odisha during early 20th century.

Early Life
Praharaj was born on 9th September 1874 to an aristocratic Zamindar Bramhin family of Siddheswarpur in Cuttack District. He completed his matriculation( Entrance exam) from Ravenshaw Collegeate School & studied FA from Ravenshwa college of Cuttack. He studied Law at Calcutta University & became a lawyer in 1902.

Life as a writer
He started writing essays in the Magazine Utkal Sahitya in 1901 by the caption Bhagabata Tungire Sandhya which is the first published work by the author. It was followed by Bai Mohanty Panji & many others writings on socio-cultural & political issues. He followed the footsteps of Fakir Mohan Senapati & made a remarkable development in Odia satirical literature. Praharaj used the colloquial speech of Odisha along with Hindustani, Parsi, English, Sanskrit & folk language in his Prose works with an amazing style. He wrote several critical essays with different pen names in many magazines up to his old age. However he dedicated around three decades of his life for the compilation of Purna Chandra Odia Bhasa Kosha.

Purnachnadra Odia Bhasakosha
Purna Chandra Odia Bhasakosha is the most comprehensive lexicon in Odia Language which not only lists out meaning of words in four languages but also explains the origin, development & use of the words. Consisting of some 1,85,000 words in 7 volumes this book is the result of dedicated work of Praharaj who raised finance & supervised the printing & sale of the book apart from the work of compiling the lexicon. Praharaj included in this lexicon not only the words which were used in literature but also the words of common speech. The publication of the lexicon was patronized by the kings/princes of several princely states of present Odisha. It is still recognised as the biggest dictionary in Odia language though it is being used by only few.

Essays
Gopala Chandra Praharaj was the most famous satirist of early 20th century. His writings were published in many magazines of that period like Utkal Sahitya, Rasachakra, Nababharata, Satya Samachar etc. Dealing with social issues, political condition of Odisha & India and socio-cultural mentality of contemporary people these essays were written in humorous style & critical manner. Some of his essays were published in shape of books during his life. His most famous works are Bhagabata Tungire Sandhya, Bai Mohanty Panji, Dunia ra Halchal, Nananka Bastani etc. though some of his writings are difficult to be found now-a-days.

Other Writings
Praharaj published a book Utkalara Kahani dealing with the folk stories of Odisha. Among the remarkable works of Praharaj is Dhaga Dhamali Bachana containing the idioms of odia language. His other works include his autobiography, many poems & stories written for children, a book namely Bhasakosha Safar etc.

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