Nanda Kishore Bal (22 December 1875 – 1 July 1928), was an Indian poet of the era of initial modernity in Odia poetry.
[2] Pallikabi Nanda Kishore Bal was a poet of the rural scene, portraying its simplicity, its superstitions and festivals.
[3] He wrote several poems that reveal his strong spiritual inclination, and sharp awareness of social problems.
Among his collections are, Nirjharini(The Stream), Palli Chitra (The picture of countryside), Basanta-Kokila, Tarangini, Charuchitra, Nirmalya, Prabhata Sangeeta, Sandhya Sangita, Krushna Kumari and Sarmishtha.
The plot of the novel is an indictment of the evils of dowry system in rural aristocratic society, and the predicament of the child-widows, who were condemned into a life of anguish and suffering.