MadhurjyaIntroduction
Laxminath Bezbarua, one of the most celebrated figures in Assamese Literature, played a crucial role in shaping modern Assamese language and culture. Known as Rasaraj (some refer to him as Roxoraj), or “The King of Humour,” he made significant contributions across multiple literary genres. His legacy continues to inspire generations, making him a timeless icon in Assamese literature.
Early Life and Birth
Laxminath Bezbarua was born in November 1868 on a boat near Ahatguri, Nagaon, on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, during a Lakshmi Purnima night. His father, Dinanath Bezbarua, was a high-ranking official in the British administration and was transferring to Barpeta at the time of his son’s birth. Due to the unusual circumstances, Laxminath was born without the customary religious rituals of that era, an event he later reflected on in his autobiography, Mor Jiban Sowaran.
Childhood and Education
Laxminath spent his childhood in different parts of Assam due to his father’s frequent transfers. His formative years were spent in Barpeta, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur, and Sivasagar. His grandfather, Dangoria Dinanath Bezbarua, employed Rabinath Majudotor Barua, an uneducated yet brilliant storyteller, to educate young Laxminath. Rabinath’s folktales and religious stories played a significant role in shaping Bezbarua’s love for storytelling.
The Jonaki Era and Assamese Literary Renaissance
Laxminath Bezbarua was a leading figure in the Jonaki Movement, which marked the beginning of modern Assamese literature. The periodical Jonaki, launched in 1889 under the leadership of Chandra Kumar Agarwala, provided a platform for Assamese writers. Bezbarua contributed extensively to Jonaki, often writing under the pseudonym Kripabar Barua. His satirical and humorous essays became widely popular, making him a household name.
Fight for Assamese Language Revival
During Bezbarua’s time, Assamese was not used in schools or administrative courts. He fought tirelessly alongside contemporaries like Hemchandra Goswami to revive the Assamese Language and literature. His efforts led to the resurgence of Assamese as a recognized literary language, ensuring its rightful place in society.
Notable Works and Contributions
Laxminath Bezbarua’s literary contributions spanned various genres, including plays, novels, short stories, satire, and poetry. Some of his most famous works include:
Poetry Collections
- Kadam Kali
Novels
- Padum Kunwari (A masterpiece in historical fiction)
Short Story Collections
- Surabhi
- Xadhukathar Kuki
- Jonbiri
- Kehokali
Children’s Folk Tales
- Junuka
- Burhi Air Sadhu (One of the most celebrated Assamese folktale collections)
- 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 Plays
- Joymati Kunwari (The first Assamese film, Joymati, was based on this play)
- Chakradhwaj Singha
- Belimaar
Biographies
- Dinanath Bejbaruar Xankshipta Jiban Charit
- Sri Sri Shankardev
- Mahapurush Sri Sankardev Aru Madhabdev
Autobiographical Works
- Mor Jiban Sowaran
- Patralekha, Dinalekha
Other Notable Works
- Kaamat Kritatwa Labhibar Xanket
- Bhagawat Katha
- Bharatbarshar Buranji
- Tatwa Katha
- Sri Krishnakatha
- The Religion of Love and Devotion
- Axomiya Bhaxa Aru Xahitya
O Mor Aponar Desh: Assam’s State Anthem
One of Laxminath Bezbarua’s greatest legacies is “O Mor Aponar Desh,” the official state anthem of Assam. First published in 1909 in the Assamese magazine Baahi, the song was officially adopted as Assam’s state anthem in 1927. The lyrics reflect deep patriotism and love for Assam, making it an eternal symbol of Assamese identity.
Personal Life and Challenges
Bezbarua faced significant struggles throughout his life. His aspiration to study abroad was crushed due to his family’s opposition. Despite growing up in a traditional Vaishnavite environment, he married Prajnasundari Devi, the granddaughter of Maharshi Devendranath Tagore, following Brahmo rites, which caused further conflicts with his conservative family. Additionally, he faced rejection and lack of recognition during his lifetime, with many of his 25 books receiving little appreciation before 1930.
Last Days and Legacy
Laxminath Bezbarua passed away on March 26, 1938, in Dibrugarh. Even after his death, his contributions to Assamese literature remain unmatched. Every year, Asom Sahitya Sabha observes Sahitya Divas in his honor.
Conclusion
Laxminath Bezbarua was more than just a writer; he was a revolutionary who shaped the Assamese literary and cultural landscape. His unwavering dedication to literature and Assamese identity continues to inspire writers, poets, and scholars. Even today, his works remain an essential part of Assamese literature, ensuring his legacy lives on for generations to come.
FAQ’s:
Q 1. Who was Laxminath Bezbarua?
Laxminath Bezbarua was a famous Assamese writer, poet, and playwright who played a key role in modernizing Assamese literature. He is known as ‘Rasaraj’ or ‘The King of Humour’ and contributed significantly to Assamese culture and language.
Q 2. Where was Laxminath Bezbarua born?
He was born in November 1868 on a boat on the Brahmaputra River near Ahatguri, Nagaon, Assam, during a journey undertaken by his family.
Q 3. What is Laxminath Bezbarua’s most famous work?
One of his most celebrated works is Burhi Aair Sadhu, a collection of Assamese folk tales that remains a favorite among readers. He also wrote the Assamese patriotic song O Mor Aponar Desh, which became the official state anthem of Assam.
Q 4. Why is Laxminath Bezbarua called ‘Rasaraj’?
He earned the title ‘Rasaraj’ because of his exceptional ability to blend humor and satire in his writings, making him one of the greatest humorists in Assamese literature.
Q 5. What was his role in the Assamese language movement?
During his time, Assamese was not widely used in schools and government offices. Bezbarua actively worked to revive and establish the language by writing literature, essays, and plays, helping to shape modern Assamese identity.
Q 6. Which magazines did Laxminath Bezbarua contribute to?
He was closely associated with Jonaki, an Assamese magazine that played a crucial role in the literary and cultural movement of Assam. He contributed numerous satirical pieces and essays under the pen name ‘Kripabar Barua.’
Q 7. What kind of books did Laxminath Bezbarua write?
He wrote across various genres, including poetry, novels, short stories, biographies, plays, and essays. His works include Surabhi, Jonbiri, Padum Kunwari, Kripabor Baruar Kaakotor Topola, and many more.
Q 8. Did Laxminath Bezbarua have any connection to Rabindranath Tagore?
Yes, he was married to Prajnasundari Devi, the granddaughter of Maharshi Devendranath Tagore, who was Rabindranath Tagore’s father. His marriage was performed following Brahmo rituals, which was quite rare for Assamese society at the time.
Q 9. How did Laxminath Bezbarua contribute to Assamese theatre?
He wrote several historical and comic plays, such as Joymati Kunwari, Chakradhwaj Singha, Belimaar, and Litikai. His play Joymati later became the first Assamese film, made by Jyotiprasad Agarwalla.
Q 10. When and where did Laxminath Bezbarua pass away?
He passed away on March 26, 1938, in Dibrugarh, Assam. To honor his contribution, Assam observes ‘Sahitya Divas’ every year on his death anniversary.
Neha Baruah
Madhurjya
