Birendra Kumar Bhatttacharya is one of the most respected Assamese novelist and short
story writer of all time. He was first Assamese author to bring nation's most prestigious literary
award 'Jnanpith' to Assam.
Birendra Kumar Bhattachrya
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Born in 1924, Birendra Kumar Bhattcharya wrote his first novel 'Rajpahte Ringiai' in 1957.
This novel was based on only one day events and predominated by his political and social analysis.
His second novel was published in 1958, 'Aai(Mother)', which portrays the affects of modern
civilization and economy on a simple village and influence a grave mother on it.
One of his most successful novel 'Iyaruingam' was
published in 1960. This story was based upon the Tankhrool Naga tribes residing inside Manipur
and their sufferings during seperalistics movements of Fizo. This novel was able to buy lots of
sympathy for the Nagas and was awarded prestigious 'Sahitya Academy'. Based on China's India
attack in 1964, he wrote another novel 'Shataghni'(1964). His most influntial novel was
'Mritunjoy'(1979). It depicts a clear picture of the struggle and commitments of
Assamese scoiety in 1942 in pre-independance days against British rule. This novel brought him
the most rpestigious literary award in India, 'Jnanpith', in 1979. He was the first assamese
author to be awarded with 'Jnanpith'. Another special novel from him was 'Pratipad' whioh portrays
the labour movement in 1938-39 in Digboi oil town. In later stage of his life he wrote novels like
'Ranga Megh', 'Ballari', 'Daaini' etc.
Apart from great novels, Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya wrote some great stories too. Similar to
his novels his short stories also magnify the love and reality of life. 'Kolong aajiu boi'(1962)
is collection of his greatest stories. Another collection of stories is 'Satsori'(1963). His
style of writing was very simple and controlled, and was able bring up the reality picture of
life very efficieantly. He also wrote some good poems published in the magazine 'Jayanti'.
Bhattacharya's contributions to the Assamese literature was really unforgottable. He was made
president of respected 'Asom Sahitya Sabha'. This great Assamese author died in 1997 at the age of 83.
You can discuss more about Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya and Assamese literature
here.
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