Padmanath Gohain Baruah

Padmanath Gohain Baruah Biography

Padmanath Gohain Baruah was one of the pioneers of modern Assamese literature. He was known as a prominent novelist, poet and dramatist of late 19^th and early 20^th century. He is regarded as the "Pitamaha" of Assamese literary world. British government conferred him the title, Raibahadur, a rare honour conferred for the first time to an Assamese person. He was the first literary pensioner of Assam. Gohain Baruah was closely allied with a number of Assamese journals and magazines at a time when journalism was in progress all over the country. He is also known as the founder of modern Assamese novel. 'Bhanumoti', published in 1890 is the first Assamese novel. In 1892, he published his second novel - 'Lahori'.

Baruah was born on 24 October, 1871 at Nakari village in North Lakhimpur, Assam. His primary education was done at his village in a local school. Later towards the end of 19^th century, he reached Kolkata to pursue higher studies. He became an active member of Asomiya Bhasar Unnati Sadhini Sabha, one of the first literal organizations he joined that aimed in the uplift of Assamese language and literature. It was started by a group of college students. He could not complete his graduation and returned to his village. Later he worked for the uplift of his mother tongue, Assamese and wrote many books belonging to different genres.

In association with his friend Panindranath Gogoi wrote a number of textbooks in Assamese language. But after the death of his friend, this mission was carried forward by Baruah alone. He wrote a number of textbooks on history, geography, moral science, teachers hand book and a book on physical exercise.

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Updated: February 15, 2014