Odisha’s folk heritage is enriched by the powerful narrative tradition of Dashkathiya, a devotional and storytelling art form performed with wooden clappers called kathi. Among the stalwarts who preserved and popularised this tradition across India was Shri Bhimsen Satpathy, a legendary Dashkathiya singer whose life was dedicated to art, culture, and social reform. His contribution to Odia folk music continues to inspire artists and cultural scholars alike.
Early Life and Background
Shri Bhimsen Satpathy was born on 25 December 1921 in Krishna Chandra Nagar Diha Sashan village, located in the Ganjam district of Odisha. He was born into a Brahmin family to Late Shri Somnath Satpathy and Late Smt. Kamala Devi. His father, a passionate lover of traditional arts, played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic journey.
At the age of just 10, Bhimsen Satpathy, along with his elder brother Gayak Ratna Baidyanath Sharma, was sent to learn Dashkathiya under the guidance of Late Shri Krushna Chandra Sahu of Khandra village in Hinjilicut. Although his formal education was limited to Class III, his dedication to folk art became the foundation of his life’s mission.
To further refine his musical skills, he travelled to Srikhetra Puri, where he gained valuable guidance from eminent Odia musician Swargat Singhari Shyam Sundar Kar. This training helped him evolve into a highly respected and accomplished Dashkathiya artist.
Contribution to Dashkathiya Art
Shri Satpathy’s singing style was known for its clarity, emotional depth, and powerful narration. Together with his elder brother, he formed a remarkable duo — Sharma’s narration combined with Satpathy’s melodious singing created unforgettable performances.
He performed extensively across villages and cities in India, ensuring that Dashkathiya reached wider audiences. Over time, he mentored numerous disciples who continue to practice and promote this art form.
Some of the notable compositions and performances that remain associated with him include:
- Aahe Kaliya Kala Ghan
- Bhoji Khaili Bada Mazare
- Asha Jibana Dhana Mora Pakhala Kansa
- Rai Darbaar (Radha-Krishna Makadama)
- Nabakeli
Through Puranic stories, devotional verses, and Odia folk poetry, Shri Satpathy kept the spiritual and cultural essence of Odisha alive.
Social Impact and Public Awareness
Beyond entertainment, Shri Bhimsen Satpathy used Dashkathiya as a medium of social transformation. He actively spread awareness about:
- Eradication of untouchability
- Opposition to child marriage
- Family welfare initiatives
- Breaking caste-based discrimination
- Government welfare schemes
He effectively communicated Central and State Government schemes to rural communities in a simple and engaging manner, enabling many villagers to access public benefits. His performances often carried strong reformist messages, helping shape social consciousness in rural Odisha.
Awards and Recognitions
Shri Satpathy received numerous state and national honours in recognition of his immense contribution to folk art.
National Recognition
- 1956: Honoured with a Gold Medal and the title “Vijay Ghanti Upadhi” by India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad.
- Received appreciation and honours from Prime Ministers including Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Indira Gandhi during their respective tenures.
State-Level Honours
- 1949: Awarded a Gold Medal by the former King of Khalikote, Shri Ramchandra Mardaraj.
- Felicitated by former Odisha Chief Ministers including Biju Patnaik, Sadasiva Tripathy, and Janaki Ballabh Patnaik.
- 1994: Honoured with a Silver Medal and citation by the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi.
- 1998: Felicitated by All India Radio, Cuttack.
- 2015: Received Ila Panda Sangeet Samman from the IMFA Foundation.
- 2015–16: Conferred with Ganjam Jyoti Puraskar by the Ganjam District Planning Board.
Throughout his life, various government and private institutions recognised his exceptional service to Odia culture.
Final Years and Legacy
The sudden demise of his elder brother Gayak Ratna Sharma on 10 December 1986 deeply affected Shri Satpathy and created a void in the Dashkathiya field. Nevertheless, he continued to live in his ancestral village, dedicating himself to teaching and nurturing young artists.
He spent his later years with his elder son, Shri Ganesh Chandra Satpathy, while continuing to mentor disciples who now carry forward his artistic legacy.
Shri Bhimsen Satpathy passed away on 30 August 2018 in his native village, Krishna Chandra Nagar Diha Sashan, Ganjam. His life remains a shining example of dedication to Odia folk music, Dashkathiya tradition, and social reform through art.
The story of Shri Bhimsen Satpathy is not merely the biography of a folk singer; it is the story of a cultural guardian who preserved Odisha’s traditional heritage while promoting social awareness. His music, message, and mentorship ensure that Dashkathiya continues to resonate across generations.
For Odisha and the wider cultural landscape of India, Shri Bhimsen Satpathy will always remain a timeless icon of folk artistry and social commitment.
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