Kathakar Ashok Takes a Trip Through Maithili Literature

Discover the rich world of Maithili literature with Kathakar Ashok Kumar Jha. Explore his impactful contributions, from novels to essays, and delve into the essence of cultural narratives.

on Dec 11, 2023

Kathakar Ashok Takes a Trip Through Maithili Literature | Frontlist

With Ashutosh Kumar Thakur, Ashok Kumar Jha explores the historical and present tendencies in Maithili literature, as well as the obstacles and potential.

Ashok Kumar Jha, often known as 'Ashok' and 'Kathakar Ashok,' is a well-known figure in Maithili literature. His name is best known for his outstanding contributions to the world of Maithili stories, many of which have been translated into multiple languages.

He completed his career as a Joint Registrar with the Bihar Co-operative Service after being born on January 18, 1953. Ashok is a skilled writer who dabbles in a variety of genres.

In his publications, he dives into in-depth examinations of a wide range of topics, including social issues, cultural traditions, economic causes, demographic settlement, literary language intricacies, and the very substance of the literary world itself.

Ashok has authored a poetry book titled 'Chakravyuh' and three collections of short stories titled 'Ohi Raatik Bhor', 'Maatbar', and 'Daddy Gaam'. In addition, he worked on a short story collection named 'Trikon' with two other writers. In addition to fiction, he has produced two collections of essays 'Maithil Aankhi' and 'Katha Path' along with a critical study titled 'Baat Vichar'. His literary interests go beyond creative writing. With 'Aankhi Mein Basal,' a reflection on his experiences in the Soviet Union in 1985, Ashok has also dabbled in travelogue writing.

Ashok's book 'Kathak Upanyas: Upanyasak Katha' delves into the topic of early Maithili novels. Notably, Ashok has contributed to the literary world as an editor, overseeing two volumes 'Samvaad' and 'Pratiman', in addition to his connection with the journal 'Sandhaan'. He is also recognised for his column 'Thain Pathain,' which was published in Dainik Hindustan and later condensed into a book titled 'Neek Dinak Bioscope'. Ashok's commitment to promote Maithili writing is demonstrated by his role as convener of the Maithili writing Festival, which was held in Patna twice in 2014 and 2016.

Ashok's outstanding literary efforts have garnered him great honours like as the Yatri Chetna Samman, the Kiran Purashkar, and numerous other literary awards bestowed upon him by major literary institutions.

In addition, he has written a monograph on Rajmohan Jha for the Sahitya Akademi, cementing his place in Maithili literature. Ashok lives in Patna and his hometown of Lohna Tol, Madhubani, with his family and the literary community.