A new Assamese translation of the book “Maniram Dewan and Contemporary Assamese Society” was recently released in Jorhat. The translated version, titled “Maniram Dewan Aru Xei Samayar Asomiya Samaj”, has been translated by writer and documentary filmmaker Tazharul Haque from the original work authored by historian Dr. Ajit Kumar Dutta.

About the Book

• The book highlights the life, contributions and socio-political context of Maniram Dewan, one of the most prominent figures of nineteenth-century Assam.
• It aims to make historical research on Maniram Dewan accessible to a wider Assamese readership.
• The work sheds light on Assam under early British rule and the role of Assamese elites in resisting colonial domination.

Who was Maniram Dewan?

• Maniram Dutta Barbhandar Baruah, popularly known as Maniram Dewan (1806–1858), was a prominent Assamese nobleman, entrepreneur and patriot.
• He is regarded as the first Assamese commercial tea planter and played a pioneering role in the development of Assam’s tea industry.
• He established tea gardens at Cinnamara and Singlo, becoming one of the earliest Indian tea entrepreneurs.
• He actively supported the Revolt of 1857 in Assam and worked to restore the Ahom monarchy.
• The British arrested him for his involvement in the uprising, and he was publicly hanged at Jorhat in 1858 along with Piloyi Barua.
• He is remembered as one of Assam’s earliest martyrs in the struggle against British colonial rule.

Historical Significance

• Maniram Dewan represents the intersection of economic entrepreneurship and anti-colonial resistance.
• His life reflects the transformation of Assam during the early colonial period, particularly in the tea economy.
• He remains an important symbol of Assamese identity, nationalism and resistance.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

1. Maniram Dewan, often seen in news related to Assam’s history, is best known for:

1. Leading the Paik Rebellion
2. Being the first Assamese commercial tea planter and a participant in the Revolt of 1857
3. Founding the Ahom Kingdom
4. Leading the Quit India Movement in Assam

Answer: 2

One-Line Wrap

Maniram Dewan was Assam’s first commercial tea planter and a key participant in the Revolt of 1857, remembered today as a pioneering entrepreneur and freedom fighter.