Life & Legacy
Early Life
Dr. Lila Gogoi was born on 25 November 1930 at Cherekapar in Hatimuria village of Sivasagar district, Assam. His father was Dhaniram Gogoi and his mother was Kamala Gogoi. From an early age, he showed exceptional interest in literature, history and Assamese culture. His passion for learning eventually shaped him into one of Assam's leading scholars.
Education
Dr. Gogoi completed his primary education at Cherekapar Primary School before continuing his studies at Sivasagar Government Middle School. He later studied at Sivasagar Government High School, where he passed the Entrance Examination with First Division and distinction in Sanskrit. He completed his Intermediate from Gauhati University in 1953, graduated as a private candidate in 1958, earned his Master's degree in Assamese Literature in 1962, and received a Ph.D. from Dibrugarh University in 1982 for his research on Assamese historical literature.
Career
Dr. Lila Gogoi began his professional career as an Assistant Teacher at Sivasagar Town High School in 1951. He later worked as a researcher in the Department of History and Archaeology under the Government of Assam and also conducted research on folklore and tribal culture at Gauhati University. During this period, he edited the newspaper Natun Asomiya and actively contributed to Assamese journalism.
In 1963, he joined All India Radio, Guwahati, as a Spoken Word Producer, where he promoted Assamese literature and music through radio broadcasting. Later, he joined Dibrugarh University as a faculty member in the Department of Assamese and eventually became Professor and Head of the Department. After retirement, he served as the Honorary Director of the Department of Historical and Antiquarian Studies, Government of Assam, continuing his research on the state's history and culture.
Positions Held
- Assistant Teacher, Sivasagar Town High School
- Researcher, Department of History and Archaeology, Government of Assam
- Researcher, Folklore and Tribal Culture Department, Gauhati University
- Editor of Natun Asomiya
- Spoken Word Producer, All India Radio, Guwahati
- Professor, Department of Assamese, Dibrugarh University
- Head, Department of Assamese, Dibrugarh University
- Secretary, Asam Sahitya Sabha
- Vice-President, Asam Sahitya Sabha
- Executive Member, Asam Sahitya Sabha
- President, 60th Asam Sahitya Sabha Session (Morigaon, 1994)
- Director, Assam Textbook Production and Publication Corporation
- Member, Assam Publication Board
- Member, All India Textbook Preparation and Implementation Committee
- Member, All India Terminology Committee
- Honorary Director, Department of Historical and Antiquarian Studies, Government of Assam
Literary Contributions
Dr. Lila Gogoi produced an extraordinary collection of literary, historical and cultural works. His writings covered Assamese history, folklore, language, novels, children's literature, essays and cultural studies. His research significantly contributed to documenting the Ahom dynasty, Assamese traditions and regional heritage.
Major Books
- Sonatara
- Khora Shiyalor Biya
- Ponakonor Sopon
- Horogor Mukuta
- Dokait Kon
- Kopling Siga Rail
- Rongmonor Kotha
- Nilakhamor Chithi
- Biyering Chithi
- Brikodar Baruar Biya (Vol. I & II)
- Bishes Ki Likhim
- Ghergheri Bus
- Geet Malanch
- Asomiya Lok Sahityar Ruprekha
- Asomiya Lokgeet
- Jonbai E Eti Tara Diya
- Buranjie Parasha Nagar
- Heruwa Dinar Kotha
- Lachit Borphukan
- Ahom Jati Aru Asomiya Sanskriti
- Simantar Mati Aru Manuh
- Tai Sanskritir Ruprekha
- Bihu Eti Samiksha
- Sahitya Sanskritir Buranji
- Asomar Sanskriti
- Beli Mar Gol
- Buranjie Kotha Koi
- Buranjir Ruprekha: Sivasagar
- Chintar Swakshar
English Books
- The Tai Khamtis of North East India
- The Buranjis: Historical Literature of Assam
- The History of the System of Ahom Administration
Edited Books
- Asomiya Sanskriti
- Asomiya Granthapanji
- Jatindra Nath Duara: Kobi Aru Kobi Pratibha
- Adhunik Asomiya Sahityar Parichay
Achievements
- Recognized as one of the foremost historians of Assam.
- Made significant contributions to Assamese literature and historical research.
- Played an important role in preserving Assamese folklore and cultural traditions.
- Served as an influential academic and researcher at Dibrugarh University.
- Guided textbook preparation and language development initiatives in Assam.
- Presided over the prestigious Asam Sahitya Sabha session in 1994.
- Authored numerous books that remain valuable references for students and researchers.
Awards and Recognition
- Sitanath Brahmachoudhury Award (1963)
- UNESCO Award (1965) for the book Simantar Mati Aru Manuh
Personal Life
Dr. Lila Gogoi married Chandraprabha Burhagohain in 1965. The couple had two daughters, Juri Gogoi and Loni Gogoi.
Death
Dr. Lila Gogoi passed away on 23 July 1994 at the age of 63. His demise marked the loss of one of Assam's finest literary scholars, but his writings and research continue to educate and inspire future generations.
Legacy
Dr. Lila Gogoi is remembered as one of the pillars of modern Assamese literature and historical research. His extensive publications, academic leadership and dedication to preserving Assam's cultural identity have secured him a permanent place in the state's intellectual history. Educational institutions, researchers and literature enthusiasts continue to value his remarkable contributions.
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