The medieval period of Assam, spanning from the 13th to the early 19th century, was a transformative era for Assamese literature. It was marked by the emergence of new literary forms, profound spiritual influence, and historical documentation. This article delves into the three significant aspects of medieval Assamese literature: Assamese prose and poetry, the contributions of Vaishnavite saints, and the unique genre of historical chronicles called Buranjis.
1. Assamese Prose and Poetry
1.1 Emergence of Assamese Poetry
The medieval period witnessed a blossoming of Assamese poetry, heavily influenced by religion, folklore, and the cultural ethos of the region. Two major categories emerged during this time: religious poetry and secular poetry.
Religious Poetry:
Predominantly devotional, religious poetry reflected the spiritual renaissance spearheaded by Vaishnavism.
Bhakti rasa (devotional flavor) was the central theme, celebrating love for Lord Krishna and Vishnu.
Notable works include Kirtan-ghosa by Srimanta Sankardeva, which encapsulates episodes from the Bhagavata Purana in a poetic form accessible to the masses.
Another notable poet, Madhavadeva, enriched the tradition with his Naam Ghosa, a series of lyrical compositions centered around the chanting of God's name.
Secular Poetry:
Although less prominent than devotional poetry, secular compositions often took the form of Bihu songs, celebrating love, nature, and community life.
These songs offered a glimpse into the socio-cultural fabric of medieval Assam.
1.2 Assamese Prose Tradition
The tradition of prose writing gained prominence in medieval Assam, particularly under the influence of historical and administrative needs.
The translation of scriptures, such as parts of the Mahabharata and Ramayana, into Assamese prose made ancient epics accessible to the local populace.
Assamese prose during this period was often didactic and narrative, combining moral teachings with storytelling.
2. Contribution of Vaishnavite Saints
The 15th and 16th centuries marked the peak of the Neo-Vaishnavite Movement in Assam, led by luminaries like Srimanta Sankardeva, Madhavadeva, and their disciples. This spiritual and cultural movement profoundly shaped Assamese literature.
2.1 Srimanta Sankardeva
Sankardeva is regarded as the father of Assamese literature, art, and culture. His contributions include:
Kirtan-ghosa: A masterpiece of devotional poetry narrating episodes from the life of Krishna.
Ankiya Nat (One-act plays): These plays, written in a blend of poetry and prose, introduced dramatic literature to Assam.
Bhakti-centered Lyrics: His compositions are imbued with the philosophy of ekasarana dharma (complete surrender to a single deity).
He also established the tradition of Sattriya dance, a classical form intertwined with literature.
2.2 Madhavadeva
A disciple of Sankardeva, Madhavadeva continued his master's legacy by contributing:
Naam Ghosa: A collection of devotional verses focusing on the chanting of Lord Krishna's name.
Borgeets (Sacred Songs): These lyrical compositions became an essential part of Vaishnavite rituals and Assamese cultural heritage.
2.3 Legacy of Vaishnavite Saints
The Sattra institutions, established by Sankardeva and Madhavadeva, became the centers of literary and cultural activity. These institutions preserved and propagated religious texts, devotional songs, and dramatic literature.
The Vaishnavite saints democratized Assamese literature by writing in the vernacular, making it accessible to all social strata.
3. Buranjis (Historical Chronicles)
The Buranjis, unique to Assamese literature, were prose chronicles written primarily during the Ahom rule (12281826). These documents serve as a critical source of historical knowledge about medieval Assam.
3.1 Origins and Purpose
The word "Buranji" is derived from the Ahom language, meaning "a storehouse of knowledge."
Initially, Buranjis were written in the Tai-Ahom language and later in Assamese.
They were commissioned by the Ahom kings to record events such as wars, treaties, royal decrees, and other administrative affairs.
3.2 Features of Buranjis
Historical Precision: Buranjis are noted for their factual accuracy and chronological detailing.
Style: Written in a straightforward and unadorned prose style, Buranjis avoided exaggeration and poetic embellishments.
Themes: They cover a wide array of topics, including political history, social customs, agricultural practices, and external relations.
3.3 Prominent Buranjis
Ahom Buranjis: Chronicles specific to the Ahom kingdom, such as the Tungkhungia Buranji, which details the reign of Ahom kings.
Padshah Buranji: Focused on the relations between the Ahom kingdom and the Mughal Empire.
Deodhai Assam Buranji: One of the earliest Buranjis, documenting the establishment of the Ahom dynasty in Assam.
3.4 Literary Value of Buranjis
While primarily historical, the language and narrative style of Buranjis reflect the evolution of Assamese prose.
They are a testament to the administrative sophistication and cultural richness of medieval Assam.