Words on Canvas: JP Das and His Work

Words on Canvas is the first book on J P Das and his work. It brings together some excerpts from his writings (poetry, fiction, plays, children’s verse etc.) and articles and reviews on his works. Samples of Das’s paintings, a bibliography of his books translated or originally written in English, some letters written to him – a few photographs and sketches of Das have also been included. J P Das resigned from the Indian Administrative Service in 1984 to devote all his time to writing, research and cultural activities. He lives in Delhi. He feels as much at home in metropolitan Delhi as in rural Orissa, his native state.

JP Das (Jagannath Prasad Das, born in 1936) is a leading author and art historian of India today. He writes in Oriya, but most of his books have been translated into English and major Indian languages, earning him an all-India readership and several awards and distinctions. His innovative research, particularly in the field of traditional Orissan painting, has brought into limelight Orissan art, tradition and history at national and international levels.
Besides being a prolific author and art historian, Das is also a painter and pioneer in modern theatre movements in Orissa. He made a significant contribution to the promotion of children’s films in India. He is one of the founders of the Poe try Society of India to help young poets develop and publish their work.