Asamiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha

Meaning of the Name

The name can be broken down easily:

• • Asamiya – Assamese

  • Bhasa – Language

  • Unnati – Progress or development

  • Sadhini – Effort or endeavour

  • Sabha – Organisation or assembly

Thus, Asamiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha means
“an organisation dedicated to the development and progress of the Assamese language.”

Origin and Establishment

• • The Sabha was founded in 1888.

  • It was established in Calcutta (Kolkata).

  • The founders were Assamese students studying in Calcutta, where higher education opportunities were available at the time.

They felt a strong need to protect their mother tongue, as Assamese language was being overshadowed by Bengali during British rule.

Historical Background

During the British period:

• • Assamese was removed from schools and administration (1836–1873).

  • Bengali was imposed as the official language of Assam.

  • Assamese students feared that:

    • Their language would disappear

    • Assamese identity would be lost

To resist this, Assamese youths formed Asamiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha to revive and promote Assamese language and literature.

Objectives of the Sabha

The main aims of the Sabha were:

• • To revive and develop the Assamese language

  • To encourage writing and reading in Assamese

  • To promote Assamese literature among young people

  • To create awareness about the importance of mother tongue

  • To oppose the dominance of other languages over Assamese

Activities and Contributions

Literary Activities

• • Encouraged Assamese students to:

    • Write essays

    • Compose poems

    • Create stories in Assamese

  • Promoted reading and discussion of Assamese literature

Publication – Jonaki Magazine

• • The Sabha published the literary magazine “Jonaki” in 1889.

  • Jonaki became the starting point of modern Assamese literature.

  • It introduced:

    • Romanticism

    • Modern poetry and prose styles

  • Many great Assamese writers emerged through Jonaki.

Role in the Assamese Language Movement

• • The Sabha played a major role in:

    • Reviving Assamese as a literary language

    • Creating linguistic awareness

  • Its efforts contributed to:

    • Reintroduction of Assamese in schools (1873)

    • Growth of modern Assamese literature

  • It inspired later movements and organisations like:

    • Asam Sahitya Sabha (1917)

Importance in Assamese Literature

• • Marked the beginning of modern Assamese literature

  • Helped transform Assamese writing from:

    • Religious and traditional themes

    • To modern and creative forms

  • Encouraged youth participation in literature

Social and Cultural Impact

• • Created a sense of Assamese identity and pride

  • United Assamese youths living outside Assam

  • Strengthened cultural self-confidence during colonial rule

Decline and Legacy

• • The Sabha was active mainly for a limited period.

  • However, its impact was long-lasting.

  • It is remembered as:

    • A pioneering language movement

    • A cultural awakening force

  • Its legacy lives on through:

    • Modern Assamese literature

    • Later literary institutions (eg. Asam Sahitya Sabha)