Assamese Literature: Overview, Types, People and More

Every society has its own literature, whether it be oral or written. Similar to this, there are a lot of oral folk songs, folktales, etc. in the Assamese language. Assamese literature has been improved by a range of oral literature forms. This literary tradition, which has its roots in the northeastern state of Assam, has developed over centuries to represent the socio-political shifts and cultural diversity of the area. This topic is important for UPSC examination, as it may appear in the Art and Culture section. This topic may also appear in several competitive exams, like SSC, IBPO etc. This blog delves into the rich legacy, notable personalities, and modern significance of Assamese literature, which captivates readers both inside and outside the state of Assam.

Early Works of Assamese Literature

A collection of writings known as Assamese literature is mostly seen in the Indian state of Assam but is now popular around the world. A few of the early renowned works are mentioned below:

• The poet Hema Saraswati wrote Prahlada Charitra, one of the first Assamese narratives, in the 13th century. This is a Sanskrit-based version of the Vishnu Purana.
• The first known Assamese poet was Madhava Kandali, who lived in the 14th century and is most known for translating the Sanskrit Ramayana and writing Devajit, a story about Lord Krishna. 
• With the beginning of the Bhakti movement, Sankaradeva gained huge popularity. The majority of his Assamese literature books were composed of poetry and devotional writings that are still read.
• Playwright and lexicographer (a person who compiles dictionaries) Hemchandra Barua’s 1861 play Kaniyar Kirtan, which dealt with drug addiction, was one of the first items written in the Assamese language. His plays covered a wide range of social topics.
• In the same year, Barua also penned Bahire Rongsong Bhitare Kowabhaturi, which means “Fair Outside and Foul Within.”
• In Assam, artistic progress came very close to extinction during World War II, but 1940 is remembered as a turning point towards its psychological narrative.
• The extensive break ended with the return of writers after the war. The field that saw the unexpected development was the novel’s development, along with the influence of Western literature.
• The authors started playing around with a style that mirrored modern reality. As of the early 21st century, Assam had become the center for a variety of literary genres, including travel writing, biographies, and literary criticism.

Also Read: History of Indian Art

Origin of Assamese Literature

The exact origin date of Assamese folk literature is quite difficult to identify. However, the date most likely dates back to a time between 600 and 800 AD at the earliest and the genre’s roots can be found in early medieval times. The Charyapada, composed by Buddhist monks, is a collection of spiritual poems and is said to be the first work of Assamese literature. Written in the pre-modern Assamese language, these verses have set standards for the centuries-long flourishing cultural legacy.

Evolution of Assamese Literature

The Assamese literature was strongly influenced by the Bhakti movement, which spread across India in the 15th and 17th centuries. Poets from Assam, such as Madhavdev and Srimanta Sankardev, conveyed the movement’s focus on spirituality and devotion in their poetry. Sankardev, who is considered to be the founder of Assamese literature, created dramas (Ankiya Nats) and philosophical works in addition to devotional songs (Borgeets), all of which influenced Assam’s literature and culture.

Types and Genres of Assamese Literature

Assamese literature has a rich heritage, which consists of various types and genres that represent the same. Below are some of the important types and genres that represent Assamese culture:

Poetry: Classical Assamese poetry is deeply rooted in religious and spiritual themes, and it is frequently drawn from the Bhakti movement. Sankardev and Madhavdev’s Borgeets are such examples. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, poets such as Lakshminath Bezbaroa and Nirmalprabha Bordoloi explored topics of human emotions, nationalism, and the natural world.

Novels: In the late 19th century, Hemchandra Goswami’s Bhanumati was one of the first Assamese novels to come into being. Contemporary novels that explored social, political, and psychological concerns were written by authors such as Indira Goswami and Arupa Patangia Kalita. 

Short Stories: This particular genre gained popularity in the 20th century. Authors like Homen Borgohain and Saurav Kumar Chaliha made major contributions to the development of the short-story genre.

Essays and Non-Fiction: Social, Cultural, and Literary Review are common topics in Assamese essays. Famous writers in this genre include Birinchi Kumar Barua and Hemchandra Barua.

Drama: Sankardev introduced the one-act dramas known as Ankiya Nats, which have moral and religious themes. These plays, which are still an important part of Assamese culture, are presented in Namghars, or communal prayer rooms. Modern Assamese drama flourished in the 20th century, when writers like Jyotiprasad Agarwala and Atul Chandra Hazarika wrote plays to analyze social themes of that time.

Oral Literature: Proverbs, songs, and other elements of Assamese culture have been passed down over the ages. These oral traditions, which capture the knowledge, values, and practices of the people, are an important part of Assamese culture.

Also Read: List of Most Visited Temples of Rajasthan

A New Rise to Assamese Literature

Assam had an increase in cultural activity in the 19th and 20th centuries with the arrival of the modern age in a number of ways, including through play, prose, poetry, and literary criticism.

• Modern Assamese literature came into being due to the effects of colonization, the Indian rebirth, and Western education. 
• Important contributions to this cultural rebirth were made by founders like Chandra Kumar Agarwala, Hemchandra Barua, and Lakshminath Bezbaroa.
• Known as the “Sahityarathi,” Lakshminath Bezbaroa played a significant role in molding modern Assamese literature. His writings, which include plays, essays, novels, and poetry, are still praised for their creative brilliance and historical significance. 
• Bezbaroa’s peer, Hemchandra Barua, is famous for his attempts to simplify the language and his contributions to Assamese literature.
• With their own viewpoints, well-known authors like Birinchi Kumar Barua, Homen Borgohain, Indira Goswami, and Arupa Patangia Kalita strengthened Assamese literature.
• Famous Assamese author Indira Goswami, often referred to as Mamoni Raisom Goswami, is among the most renowned writers of modern times. 
• Her works, which have their roots in Assamese social and political reality, have brought her praise from both domestic and foreign audiences, including the famous Jnanpith Award.

The Future of Assamese Literature

Assamese literature has accepted new themes, techniques, and modes of expression in recent years, continuing its constant development. The growth of digital platforms has provided Assamese culture with a fresh perspective and made it easier for readers around the world. Along with exploring modern themes like identity, movement, and environmentalism, young authors are experimenting with genres including science fiction, fantasy, and graphic novels.

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