Background
Rath was born at Badakhemundi of the Ganjam district in 1789. His father, Ujjwal Rath, was a well known Sanskrit scholar and was a poet laureate.
Rath was born at Badakhemundi of the Ganjam district in 1789. His father, Ujjwal Rath, was a well known Sanskrit scholar and was a poet laureate.
Rath is thought to have invented the dhumpa, a bamboo percussion instrument, that accompanies the Oriya folk art form of dhumpa sangita. The dhumpa accompanies recitations of his poetic satires which are called dhumpa geet. Many of his poetic pieces, especially the champus are often set to dance in Odissi.
Rath died at Athgarh in 1845.
Dasarathi Das" Kavisurya Baladeva Rath is a biography that examines his life and contributions to Indian literature. Kavisuryanagar, formerly Boirani, a town in Ganjam district has been named in honour of Rath.