Bishnu Prasad Rabha: Assam’s Cultural Icon

Satyabrat Borah

(satyabratborah12@gmail.com)

Bishnu Prasad Rabha, fondly revered as Kalaguru, stands as an indomitable figure in the cultural, social and political landscape of Assam. His multifaceted contributions as a poet, musician, playwright, dancer, painter, actor and revolutionary have left an indelible mark on Assamese society, earning him a place as one of its most celebrated icons. Born on January 31, 1909, in Dhaka, under the then Bengal Presidency, Rabha’s life was a testament to the seamless integration of art and activism, a rare blend that sought to uplift the marginalized and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Assam. His legacy transcends the boundaries of time, continuing to inspire generations through his creative and revolutionary endeavours.

Rabha’s early life was shaped by a blend of privilege and intellectual curiosity. His father, Gopal Chandra Rabha, was a high-ranking official in the British administration, which provided young Bishnu with access to quality education. He spent his formative years in Tezpur, where his prodigious talents began to surface. In 1926, he passed his matriculation examination from Tezpur Government High School with first-division marks, earning the prestigious Queen Empress Medal. Later, he pursued higher studies at St Paul’s College in Calcutta, where he excelled in his Intermediate Science examination. However, his academic journey was interrupted by his growing involvement in political and social movements, a decision that would define the trajectory of his life.

Rabha’s contributions to Assamese culture are unparalleled, particularly in the realm of music. His compositions, totalling 137 songs, are compiled in the anthology “Bishnu Prasad Rabha Rachana Sambhar”. These songs, often referred to as Rabha Sangeet, are a unique amalgamation of love, nature, Assamese heritage, and revolutionary zeal. Songs like ‘Bilote Halise Dhuniya Padumi, Mor Kabitar Chanda Lagi’ and ‘Aji Mandirar Duwar Khula’ resonate with the soul of Assam, capturing its landscapes, emotions, and aspirations. His music was not merely an artistic expression but a medium to awaken the masses, instil pride in their identity, and ignite a sense of unity. Rabha’s performances, particularly in Jyoti Prasad Agarwala’s play ‘Karengar Ligiri’, showcased his ability to blend melody with cultural narratives, earning him widespread acclaim.

Beyond music, Rabha’s literary contributions enriched Assamese literature. His novels, such as Sonpahi, Missing Koneng and Jivan Lalasa, reflect his deep understanding of human emotions and societal dynamics. His essays, including Asomiya Kristi and Atit Asom, offer scholarly insights into Assam’s cultural and historical heritage, while his short stories like ‘Mamir Haar, Kuri Bosor Jail’ and ‘Jal Kes’ portray the struggles of the common people with empathy and realism. Through his writings, Rabha sought to document and preserve the essence of Assamese identity while addressing social injustices. His works remain relevant, serving as a bridge between Assam’s past and present.

Rabha’s foray into drama and dance further solidified his status as a cultural pioneer. He authored 26 plays, many of which were dance-dramas, with “Gengeni Rengeni” being a notable example. Though his plays were less influential compared to contemporaries like Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, they carried the weight of social commentary and nationalistic fervour. His performances at Tezpur’s Ban Theatre and his roles in films like Joymoti and Siraj demonstrated his versatility as an actor. His iconic Shiva Tandava dance, along with performances like Ojha-Pali and Kaliya Daman, mesmerised audiences, earning him the title of “Kalaguru” from Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan during a performance at Kashi Hindu University in 1940. Rabha’s ability to weave traditional Assamese elements into his art forms made him a torchbearer of cultural preservation.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Rabha was a gifted painter. His illustrations, including a portrait of Srimanta Sankardeva and the iconic seven-layered Simhasana for the “Banhi” magazine, are celebrated as significant contributions to Assamese visual art. His paintings were not mere aesthetic creations but reflections of Assam’s spiritual and cultural ethos, embodying the ideals of unity and heritage that he championed throughout his life.

Rabha’s contributions extended far beyond the cultural sphere, as he was a revolutionary at heart. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement, he joined the fight against British colonial rule, participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement. His revolutionary ideals later aligned with Marxist principles, leading him to join the Revolutionary Communist Party of India. Rabha’s commitment to social justice was evident in his decision to distribute 100 bighas of his ancestral land among the poor, a radical act that underscored his belief in equality and empowerment. His writings and speeches often emphasised the rights of workers and peasants, advocating for a society free from exploitation.

In 1955, Rabha joined the Communist Party of India and contested the 1957 Assam Legislative Election from Barpeta, though he did not win. His political journey culminated in 1967 when he won a seat in the Assam Legislative Assembly from Tezpur as an independent candidate. His revolutionary activities during the freedom struggle made him a target of the British, who placed a bounty on his head and imprisoned him multiple times. Yet, Rabha remained undeterred, using his art and voice to rally the masses against oppression.

Central to Rabha’s philosophy was the idea of a greater Assamese identity, one that transcended linguistic and ethnic boundaries. Influenced by the neo-Vaishnavite principles of Srimanta Sankardeva, he envisioned a society where diverse communities coexisted in harmony. His works, whether songs, plays, or essays, emphasized the integration of Assam’s various ethnic groups, promoting a composite culture that celebrated unity in diversity. Rabha believed that Assamese culture was not confined to the Assamese-speaking population but was a collective heritage shaped by the contributions of all communities in the region. His efforts to foster unity through art and activism remain a cornerstone of his legacy.

Rabha’s life was tragically cut short on June 20, 1969, when he succumbed to cancer in Tezpur. His death marked the end of an era, but his contributions continue to resonate in Assam’s cultural and social fabric. Every year, June 20 is observed as “Bishnu Rabha Divas”, a day to honour his life and works. The Assam government instituted the “Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha Award” to recognise individuals who embody his spirit of creativity and social commitment. His words, “Let Kirtan, Dasam, and Namghosa be our valour; let naat, geet, and borgeet be the trumpet of our battle,” encapsulate his vision of art as a tool for cultural and revolutionary awakening.

Rabha’s legacy is a beacon for future generations, reminding them of the power of art to inspire change and the importance of standing up for justice. His songs continue to be sung, his stories continue to be read, and his ideals continue to guide those who seek to build a more inclusive and equitable society. In a world often divided by differences, Rabha’s life serves as a reminder that art and activism can unite people, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and class. His contributions to Assamese culture, literature, and the freedom struggle make him a true luminary, whose light continues to shine brightly in the hearts of the Assamese people.

In reflecting on Bishnu Prasad Rabha’s life, one cannot help but marvel at the breadth and depth of his contributions. He was not just a cultural icon but a revolutionary who used his talents to uplift the downtrodden and preserve Assam’s rich heritage. His ability to navigate multiple domains like music, literature, drama, dance, painting and politics with equal brilliance sets him apart as a true polymath. Rabha’s vision of a united and culturally vibrant Assam remains a guiding force, inspiring artistes, activists, and ordinary citizens alike to carry forward his legacy of creativity, compassion and courage.