MadhurjyaProfessor Maheswar Neog, a renowned scholar and literary figure, was born on September 7, 1915, in the village of Kamarphadia, situated along the banks of the Dikhow River in Sivasagar, Assam. His father, Manik Chandra Neog, despite having no formal education, played a crucial role in shaping his intellectual journey. His mother, Chandra Probha Neog, also supported his academic pursuits.
Academic Brilliance and Early Education
From an early age, Maheswar Neog displayed exceptional academic abilities. He started his education at Kamarphadia L.P. School and later passed his Matriculation exams with star marks and letters in four subjects. He graduated from Cotton College in 1939 with an Honours degree in Assamese and later pursued a Master’s degree in Modern Indian Languages from Kolkata in 1947. His scholarly achievements set the foundation for his illustrious career.
A Journey of Dedication and Perseverance
Maheswar Neog’s journey was marked by discipline, simplicity, and an unwavering commitment to knowledge. He started as a schoolteacher, overcoming financial challenges, and eventually became one of India’s most respected intellectuals. His deep curiosity and dedication led him to explore various academic fields, ranging from linguistics and literary history to fine arts, music, dance, drama, religion, and folklore. Unlike many scholars who specialize in one area, Neog’s work covered a vast spectrum of Indian culture and history, making his contributions unique.
A Distinguished Academic Career
In 1948, Maheswar Neog joined Gauhati University as a faculty member. Before this, he had served as the Deputy Director of the Literary Workshop at Santiniketan under the Central Government in 1954. His teaching career was illustrious:
- 1966-1978: Served as Jawaharlal Nehru Professor at Gauhati University.
- 1978-1984: Held the position of Sankardev Professor at Punjabi University, Patiala.
- 1974-1977: Served as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Gauhati University.
His influence on Assamese literature and culture was immense, and his deep knowledge of the Nava Vaishnava tradition set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
A Passion for Literature and Research
Maheswar Neog’s literary journey began early. He wrote his first poem in Class III, showcasing his natural talent for writing. His research article on Assamese marriage songs, published in The Indian Review in 1939 while he was still a graduate student, demonstrated his keen interest in Assamese folklore. His ability to connect cultural history with scholarly analysis made his works highly valuable.
Honors and Recognitions
His contributions to Assamese literature and culture earned him several prestigious awards and positions, including:
- Padmashri Award (1974) for his outstanding contributions to Indian literature and culture.
- President of Asam Sahitya Sabha (1974).
- President of the All India Oriental Conference (23rd session).
- Head of the Fine Arts Department at Aligarh Muslim University.
Reviving Satriya Dance and Assamese Cultural Heritage
One of Professor Neog’s most remarkable contributions was his role in reviving Satriya dance. Before his intervention, Satriya was confined to monastic institutions and lacked national recognition. In 1958, he presented Satriya dance at a seminar organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, helping it gain recognition alongside Bharatnatyam and Kathak.
A Visionary in Indian Cultural Studies
Maheswar Neog’s research was not limited to Assamese literature. He studied the cultural history of Northeast India, bringing hidden aspects of Indian heritage into the academic spotlight. His dedication was recognized when he was selected as:
- A member of the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti by the Government of India.
- A representative on a lecture tour to East European countries.
- A member of the Indian National Commission for UNESCO.
- A jury member for the Bharatiya Jnanpith Award Selection Board, a rare honor for a literary critic.
His Magnum Opus: ‘Sankardeva and His Times’
Among his numerous works, his most significant contribution was Sankardeva and His Times: Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Assam. Another notable work was Prachya Sasanavali, a groundbreaking study in epigraphy that explored the inscriptions of Eastern India over 600 years. His meticulous research and analytical depth set these works apart, making them essential references in Indian historical studies.
A Lasting Legacy
Professor Maheswar Neog passed away on September 13, 1995, but his intellectual contributions continue to inspire generations. His ability to seamlessly blend literature, history, linguistics, and culture makes him a towering figure in Assamese scholarship. Unlike many other sources, our content offers in-depth insights into his unique role in reviving Assamese cultural traditions, his extraordinary academic career, and his recognition on national and international platforms.
His life story is not just a biography but a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge. For students looking for a role model in academia, Professor Maheswar Neog’s journey offers invaluable lessons in passion, discipline, and the power of education.
FAQ’s:
Q 1. Who was Professor Maheswar Neog, and why is he famous?
Professor Maheswar Neog was a renowned Assamese scholar, historian, and literary figure known for his contributions to Assamese culture, Vaishnavism, and Satriya dance.
Q 2. What are the major literary works of Maheswar Neog?
His most notable books include Sankardeva and His Times and Prachya Sasanavali, along with several critical editions of Assamese and Sanskrit texts.
Q 3. How did Maheswar Neog contribute to Satriya dance?
He played a key role in bringing Satriya dance out of monasteries and into the national spotlight, ensuring its recognition as a classical dance form in India.
Q 4. Which awards and honors did Maheswar Neog receive?
He was awarded the Padma Shri (1974) and was the President of Asom Sahitya Sabha (1974), among other prestigious recognitions.
Q 5. What role did Maheswar Neog play in Assamese Vaishnavism?
He extensively researched and documented the life and works of Srimanta Sankardev, making significant contributions to understanding the Nava Vaishnavite movement in Assam.
Q 6. What were Maheswar Neog’s contributions to Gauhati University?
He served as a professor from 1948 to 1978, became the Jawaharlal Nehru Professor (1966-78), and was Dean of the Faculty of Arts (1974-77).
Q 7. How did Maheswar Neog influence Assamese literature and history?
His research and writings shaped the study of Assamese literature, epigraphy, folklore, and linguistics, making him one of Assam’s most influential scholars.
Q 8. Did Maheswar Neog have any international contributions?
Yes, he was selected by the Government of India for lecture tours in East Europe and was a member of the Indian National Commission for UNESCO.
Q 9. What was Maheswar Neog’s role in the Bharatiya Jnanpith Award Selection Board?
As a literary critic, he was part of the prestigious selection committee, highlighting his expertise in Indian literature.
Q 10. When and how did Maheswar Neog pass away?
He passed away on September 13, 1995, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire scholars and artists today.
Neha Baruah
Madhurjya
