Eminent historian and senior epigraphist (study of inscriptions) Sadanand Agrawal passed away on Tuesday. He was 65.
After he was taken ill, Agrawal was rushed from his house at Menda village under Tarbha block to the Balangir District Headquarters Hospital (DHH), where he died at around 4 am.
Agrawal is known for his extensive research on the history of western Odisha. He was a pioneer in epigraphy.
Agrawal has penned many important books, essays, research papers on the history of western districts like Subarnapur and Balangir. Some of his noted works include ‘History of Sonepur and Koshal’, ‘Two Copper Plate Grants from Western Orissa, which are being taught as subjects at Post-graduation and research levels at several universities.
“Agrawal was famous for his scholastic historical writing, particularly on the history and archaeology of western Odisha. He was the one of the epigraphists in Odisha who could decipher stone/pillar inscriptions. His hard work unearthed many new facts which was hitherto not known and enriched the history of Odisha. His death created a void in the field of historical and archaeological research,” wrote leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra in his condolence message.
Similarly, BJP State president Basant Panda, legislature Party leader KV Singh Deo and former Minister Bishwabhushan Harichandan mourned Agrawal’s death. “With demise of Agrawal, Odisha lost a bright historian,” they said.