The Asam Sahitya Sabha, Assam’s premier literary body, has announced a series of major initiatives, including the publication of a comprehensive history of Assam titled Brihot Asomiya Itihas, during the centenary celebration of the Chandrakanta Handiqui Bhawan in Jorhat.

  • At the 100-year celebration of Chandrakanta Handiqui Bhawan, Sabha president Dr Basanta Kumar Goswami unveiled new literary, cultural, and infrastructural plans aimed at strengthening Assamese identity, scholarship and valley-to-valley cultural unity.

Key Announcements by the Asam Sahitya Sabha

1. Brihot Asomiya Itihas: A comprehensive history of Assam

  • A landmark book titled Brihot Asomiya Itihas will be prepared from January 1, 2026.
  • To be completed within 10 months, covering an inclusive, detailed history of Assam—ancient to modern.
  • This initiative addresses the perceived gap in broad, authentic, and research-based historical documentation of the State.

2. Expansion to Barak Valley

  • New Sabha buildings will be constructed in Silchar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi.
  • Architecture will mirror the iconic Chandrakanta Handiqui Bhawan.
  • Aimed at strengthening Brahmaputra–Barak cultural harmony, a key theme in Assam’s socio-cultural policy.

3. Cultural Heritage Initiatives

  • Two permanent torans (heritage gates) will be erected at the east and west entry points of Jorhat.
  • These structures mark the Chandrakanta Handiqui Bhawan’s 100-year legacy.

4. Documentation of Social Media Literature

  • Sabha will publish three books compiling stories, novels, and literary articles sourced from social media creators.
  • Recognises digital platforms as modern spaces for Assamese literature.

Asam Sahitya Sabha 

  • The Asam Sahitya Sabha is the oldest and most influential literary–cultural organisation of Assam, established in 1917 at Kamrup district. 
  • It was created with the primary objective of promoting and preserving Assamese culture, language, and literature during a period of rising linguistic consciousness.
  • The Sabha traces its intellectual roots to two earlier Kolkata-based literary bodies — Asamiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha and the Assamese Literary Society, both of which played foundational roles in shaping early Assamese literary nationalism.
  • The first session of the Sabha was held at Sibsagar, presided over by Padmanath Gohain Barua, who served as its first president, while Sarat Chandra Goswami became the organisation’s first secretary.
  • Over the decades, the Sabha has been instrumental in nurturing Assamese writers, standardising the language, and preserving cultural heritage. 
  • In 1931, it conferred the title “Rasaraj” on Lakshminath Bezbarua, one of Assam’s greatest literary figures.
  • The organisation’s permanent headquarters is the iconic Chandrakanta Handique Bhawan in Jorhat. 
  • Its official emblem was designed by Jugal Das on 28 October 1960, symbolising Assam’s rich literary tradition.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

Q. With reference to the Asam Sahitya Sabha, consider the following statements:

  1. It was established in the early 20th century to promote Assamese language and literature.
  2. Chandrakanta Handiqui Bhawan serves as its central office.
  3. The Sabha operates under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Brihot Asomiya Itihas:

  1. It is a government-funded project under the Assam Cultural Affairs Department.
  2. It aims to publish a comprehensive history of Assam by 2026.
  3. It is an initiative undertaken by the Asam Sahitya Sabha.

Which of the statements are correct?
 A. 2 and 3 only
 B. 1 and 3 only
 C. 1 and 2 only
 D. All of the above

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