Madhusudan_Das

His Life and Achievements 187
the first Oriya nationalist leader whose thoughts and ideas were based on
a scientific analysis of the economic maladies from which Orissa was
suffering greatly at that period of her history.
Orissa, since remote past, is famous for its gold and silver works of
gossamer delicay. But owing to the deliberate economic policies long
maintained by the Colonial State and the consequent inroad of machines
in to cottage industries, these fine native artistic crafts of Orissa were
nearing a decaying stage, and here came Madhusudan to save this valuable
pride of Orissa from utter ruin. Soon he took grasp of the situation and set
up a large factory inside the premises of his residence in Cuttack lor
reviving and improving these fine art-wares. Established in 1897. with a
positive touch to native products, this tactory soon attracted high attention
and was known to one and all as the "Orissa Art-Wares". While the chief
motive of Madhusudan behind this project remind the glorification of
the artistic crafts of Orissa, he also had a desire to improve the status of the
workers of this factory. by the by, When Sir John Woodburn. the then
Governor of Bengal visited the factory in 1902. Madhusudan called upon
the British Government to encourage this industry by giving lumpsum
grants and offers of prizes to the needy workers of this factory; so that
they could get a chance to improve their work and livelihood as well. In
turn, the Governor expressed his surprise by observing such fine works in
Orissa and thanked the workers of "Orissa Art-Wares", To draw worldwide
attention Madhusudan had also made an exhibition of these artistic
works in London in his tour abroad. More so he was receiving many
letters daily, addressed to him by British and Indian dignitaries, in great
appreciation of those fine works of Orissan art. Sir William Wedderburn.
one-time British M.P. and President. Indian National Congress, wrote
thus: "I never saw a more artistic piece of filigree work." Like wise, two
leading nationalist newspapers e.g., "The Statesman" and "the Fnend of
India" were all in praise and appreciation of this any yet noble attempt of
Madhusudan :" The specimens of Orissan art that were shown to us in
silver and gold ivory.. are in every way excellent. Graceful and original
in design they reflect the most credit." Mr. Das. on more than one count,
waxed eloquent over the possibilities of the delicate arts which had been
in vogue from time immemorial, but for want of strong support were
almost dead or languishing. He organised the workshop on modern lines
and that too. for the first time in Orissa where nearly hundreds of persons
were being engaged in the craft, especially the delicate gold and silver