Laxminath Bezbarua : The Father Of Modern Assamese Literature

Laxminath Bezbarua : The Father Of Modern Assamese Literature

Laxminath Bezbarua (1868–1938) is a towering figure in the literary history of Assam, remembered for pioneering the Jonaki era and revitalizing the Assamese language and cultural identity. Widely celebrated as "Rasaraj" (The King of Humour), his contributions span multiple literary genres — poetry, plays, satire, biography, folklore, and children’s literature.

Early Life and Education

Laxminath Bezbarua was born on Lakshmi Purnima night in November 1868, on a sandbank of the Brahmaputra River near Ahatguri, Nagaon. His father, Dinanath Bezbarua, was a senior British government official. Laxminath's unusual birth on a riverboat became a memorable tale he later recounted in his autobiography "Mor Jiban Sowaran."

Bezbarua’s childhood was spent in various towns across Assam—Barpeta, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur, and Sivasagar—due to his father's job transfers. His early exposure to diverse Assamese traditions deeply influenced his literary vision.

Literary Career and the Jonaki Era

Laxminath Bezbarua’s literary journey took flight with his association with ‘Jonaki’ magazine, launched in 1889 under the leadership of Chandra Kumar Agarwala. The publication marked the beginning of modern Assamese literature, also known as the Jonaki Yug.

Bezbarua contributed humorous and satirical pieces to Jonaki under the pen name Kripabar Barua, which quickly gained popularity for their wit and social commentary. He was also supported by literary contemporaries like Hemchandra Goswami.

Major Literary Contributions

Bezbarua’s literary output was vast and diverse. He authored:

Poetry

  • Kadam Kali

Novels

  • Padum Kunwari

Short Stories

  • Surabhi, Xadhukathar Kuki, Jonbiri, Kehokali

Children’s Folk Tales

  • Burhi Aair Xadhu (a timeless classic)

  • Junuka, Kokadeuta Aaru Nati Lora, Baakhar

Satirical Essays

  • Kripabor Baruar Kaakotor Topola

  • Kripabor Baruar Obhotani

  • Barbaruar Bhabar Burburani

  • Barbaruar Bulani

Comic Plays

  • Litikai, Nomal, Paachani, Chikarpati Nikarpati

Historical Dramas

  • Joymati Kunwari, Chakradhwaj Singha, Belimaar

Biographies

  • Dinanath Bejbaruar Xankshipta Jiban Charit

  • Sri Sri Shankardev, Mahapurush Sri Sankardev Aru Madhabdev

Autobiography

  • Mor Jiban Sowaran, Patralekha, Dinalekha

Religious and Philosophical Works

  • Bhagawat Katha, Sri Krishnakatha, Tatwa Katha, The Religion of Love and Devotion

Miscellaneous

  • Axomiya Bhaxa Aru Xahitya, Kaamat Kritatwa Labhibar Xanket, Bharatbarshar Buranji

Anthem of Assam: "O Mor Aponar Desh"

One of Bezbarua’s greatest contributions is the Assamese patriotic song “O Mor Aponar Dex”, written in 1909 and published in the magazine Baahi. Composed by Kamala Prasad Agarwala, this emotional anthem was officially adopted as Assam’s State Song in 1927 at the Oxom Chhatra Xonmilon in Tezpur.

Influence on Cinema and Culture

Bezbarua’s play "Joymati Kunwari" became the basis for Assam’s first feature film Joymoti (1935) directed by Jyoti Prasad Agarwala. The literary giant praised the film, expressing admiration during his final years. His works continue to inspire theater, literature, and cinema in Assam.

Personal Life and Legacy

Despite his liberal outlook, Bezbarua faced significant social opposition—particularly for marrying Prajnasundari Devi, granddaughter of Maharshi Devendranath Tagore, in a Brahmo ceremony. His defiance of conservative norms and refusal to accept dowry highlighted his progressive values.

Laxminath Bezbarua was also deeply patriotic and believed in literature as a medium of social transformation. He was inspired by Anandaram Dhekial Phukan, a visionary of the 19th-century Assamese renaissance. His rational and liberal worldview was deeply embedded in his essays and critiques of religion and society.

He passed away on March 26, 1938, in Dibrugarh. To honor his memory, the Asom Sahitya Sabha observes Sahitya Divas every year on this date.

Conclusion

Laxminath Bezbarua was not just a literary genius but also a cultural reformer, language activist, and a voice of Assamese identity. His unmatched contribution to Assamese literature, especially during the Jonaki era, makes him an enduring icon. From humorous satire to heartfelt patriotism, his work continues to shape Assamese thought and culture.

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Laxminath Bezbarua with His Family
Laxminath Bezba...