ASAM SAHITYA SABHA
The Literary Society Of Assam
108 Years of Legacy
The 77th Biennial Session 2025 is Here!
Asam Sahitya Sabha 2025, begins at 31st January till 4th of February. Venue- Bhattadev Field, Pathsala, Bajali
চিৰ চেনেহী মোৰ ভাষা জননী I
My Mother Tongue My Eternal Love
Asam Sahitya Sabha, the premier literary organization of Assam, is a cultural and intellectual institution that has significantly influenced the literary and cultural landscape of the state. Founded in 1917, the Sabha has played a pivotal role in promoting Assamese language, literature, and culture while fostering a sense of unity and pride among the Assamese people.
Our Mission & Vision
Development of Assamese Literature, Culture and the Language
Promoting the Assamese Nationalism
Research on Ancient Assamese Literature and history
Provide financial assistance to the writers and help them publish their work
Promoting the exchange plans between literature and culture
Organizing Biennial conferences to promote the Assamese Literature
Development of Assamese Literature, Culture and the Language
Promoting the Assamese Nationalism
Research on Ancient Assamese Literature and history
Provide financial assistance to the writers and help them publish their work
Promoting the exchange plans between literature and culture
Organizing Biennial conferences to promote the Assamese Literature
Contribution of Asam Sahitya Sabha
In the History, Literature and culture of Assam
Asam Sahitya Sabha, the premier literary organization of Assam, is a cultural and intellectual institution that has significantly influenced the literary and cultural landscape of the state. Founded in 1917, the Sabha has played a pivotal role in promoting Assamese language, literature, and culture while fostering a sense of unity and pride among the Assamese people.
Historical Personalities of Assamese Literature & Culture
Assam’s rich literary and cultural heritage owes much to the contributions of remarkable historical figures who shaped its identity and ethos. These luminaries not only laid the foundation of Assamese literature and art but also elevated its stature on a global platform. Through their timeless writings, artistic creations, and cultural movements, they instilled a sense of pride, unity, and enlightenment among the people of Assam. The legacy of their work continues to inspire generations, reflecting the unique essence of Assamese tradition, language, and thought.
A Brief History of Assamese Literature
Assamese literature holds a prominent place in India’s cultural heritage, offering a rich tapestry of artistic expression that spans centuries. From mystical poetry in ancient times to contemporary narratives addressing global themes, Assamese literature reflects the history, spirituality, and socio-political evolution of Assam. Let us explore the different eras that have shaped this vibrant literary tradition.
The Dawn of Assamese Literature
Early Period (6th–12th Century)
The roots of Assamese literature trace back to the Charyapadas, a collection of mystical verses that bridge spirituality and artistic expression. Written in a proto-Assamese language, these texts reflect the influence of Buddhist mysticism. Early Assamese inscriptions, such as the Umachal Rock Inscription and Nagajari-Khanikar Epigraphs, mark the emergence of Assamese as a distinct linguistic identity.
Foundations of Folk and Secular Literature
Pre-Vaishnavite Period (12th–15th Century)
During this era, Assamese literature began to take shape through ballads, folk songs, and narrative poetry. This was a time when secular themes started to emerge alongside religious narratives, laying the groundwork for a more diverse literary landscape.
The Golden Age of Assamese Literature
Vaishnavite Era (15th–17th Century)
The Vaishnavite movement led by Srimanta Sankardeva brought a spiritual renaissance to Assamese literature. Devotional songs (Borgeet), one-act plays (Ankiya Naat), and poetic translations of sacred texts flourished during this time. Sankardeva’s works, alongside his disciple Madhavdeva, laid the foundation for Assam’s spiritual and literary ethos. The Vaishnavite era marked a literary and cultural revival, with an emphasis on devotion, morality, and social unity through literature and art.
Chronicles of History
Medieval Period (17th–19th Century)
This period saw the rise of Buranjis, historical prose chronicles documenting the socio-political landscape of the Ahom dynasty. These chronicles were not just records but also narratives that gave birth to historical prose in Assamese literature. The literature of this era emphasized documentation, preserving the rich history and culture of Assam for future generations.
The Awakening of a Modern Period
Modern Period (19th–20th Century)
The influence of the Bengal Renaissance and Western education spurred a literary awakening in Assam. The period saw the emergence of journals, newspapers, and novels, alongside reformist and nationalist themes. The Jonaki literary journal became a beacon for modern Assamese literature, nurturing writers and thinkers who shaped the region’s literary identity. Historical personalities such as Hemchandra Barua, for his work "Hemkosh", the first ever Assamese Dictionary, Lakshminath Bezbarua known as the father of modern Assamese literature, and early novelist such as Rangacharya and Nidhi Levi Pharowal were major major contributors of the era.
Rise of the Contemporary Voices
Post-Independence Era (1947–Present)
The roots of Assamese literature trace back to the Charyapadas, a collection of mystical verses that bridge spirituality and artistic expression. Written in a proto-Assamese language, these texts reflect the influence of Buddhist mysticism. Early Assamese inscriptions, such as the Umachal Rock Inscription and Nagajari-Khanikar Epigraphs, mark the emergence of Assamese as a distinct linguistic identity.
Events in Asam Sahitya Sabha
The events organized by Asom Sahitya Sabha stand as vibrant celebrations of Assam's literary and cultural richness. From the grandeur of the annual literary sessions to insightful seminars, book fairs, and cultural programs, each event reflects the Sabha's unwavering commitment to promoting Assamese language, literature, and traditions. These gatherings bring together writers, scholars, artists, and enthusiasts from across the region and beyond, fostering a collective spirit of creativity, dialogue, and cultural pride.
Publish Your Articles
Share your articles and get featured on the official website of Asam Sahitya Sabha. This platform provides an opportunity for aspiring and established writers to showcase their talent and connect with a wider audience. Submissions are accepted in both Assamese and English, fostering creativity and contributing to the literary community.