He was born in a Zamindar Karan family in Baleshwar (Bengal Presidency), now in Odisha, and is honoured in Odia literature with the title Kabibara (transl.

At that time, Radhanath was one of prime figure along with Fakir Mohan Senapati, who fought against the expansionism of Bengali educationalist to eradicate Odia language from Odisha.

He was the Inspector of Odisha Schools Association and along with Fakir Mohan Senapati and Madhusudan Rao, he tried to promote text book writings.

Later, he switched over to Odia language, and wrote famous Kavyas like Kedara Gauri, Nandikeshwari, Chilika, Mahajatra – Jajatikeshari, Tulasistabaka, Urbashi, Darabara, Dasaratha Biyoga, Savitri Charita and Mahendra Giri.

He has penned blank-verses,[4] satire inspired by writings of Dryden and Alexander Pope, denunciation of despots, tyrants and oppressors, concern with social problems, a spirit of protest against conventional morality, a disbelief in the power of gods and goddesses, and patriotic sentiments, which finally brought him trouble from his employers.

Some critics wrote that Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja is more powerful than Radhanatha, and these arguments turned into a serious topic of controversy like modernity versus tradition.