Life & Legacy
Early Life and Education
Jageshwar Sharma was born in 1906 at Hamdoi Bagar village near Titabor in the Jorhat region of Assam. His father was Lakshminath Sharma and his mother was Kokileswari Devi. He began his education at Titabor Middle School and showed exceptional academic ability from an early age.
In 1915, he received a scholarship and continued his studies at Jorhat Government High School. He passed the Entrance Examination in 1923 with distinction and achieved particularly strong results in Assamese. His academic performance earned him the Dattadev Goswami Gold Medal.
Sharma then pursued higher education at Cotton College, where he continued to excel in the humanities. He secured the first position among Arts students in the I.A. examination and received the Sarada Prasad Prize and Puchete Prize. In 1927, he completed his bachelor's degree with honors in English and secured fourth position in the university. He later obtained his M.A. in English from Calcutta University in 1929.
Academic and Professional Career
Jageshwar Sharma began his professional career as a teacher. He was offered an opportunity to teach at Banaras Hindu University but chose to continue his academic career in Assam. He joined Jagannath Barua College in Jorhat as a lecturer.
He later served at Cotton College before being transferred to Murarichand College in Sylhet. His most significant educational contribution came in 1944, when he was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the newly established Nagaon College. As its founding Principal, he played a major role in developing the institution and establishing it as an important center of higher education in Assam.
Sharma continued to serve Nagaon College for many years and retired from the Principalship in 1968. His contribution to the development of higher education in Assam remains an important part of his legacy.
Literary Career
Jageshwar Sharma developed an interest in literature from an early stage and became known for his work as a poet, essayist, translator and literary critic. His literary activities extended beyond creative writing and included critical discussions of Assamese literature and culture.
His writings reflected his broad intellectual interests and his understanding of Assamese society, literature and cultural development. He also contributed to Assamese literary thought through essays and translations.
Sharma remained actively connected with the literary and cultural life of Assam throughout his career. His leadership in the Asam Sahitya Sabha further strengthened his position as an important figure in Assamese literary circles.
Asam Sahitya Sabha
One of the major milestones in Jageshwar Sharma's literary career was his election as President of the Asam Sahitya Sabha session held at Tihu in 1976.
His presidency reflected the recognition he had earned through decades of literary, educational and cultural work. He was also honored by the Asam Sahitya Sabha with the title Sahityacharya in 1988 in recognition of his contribution to Assamese literature.
Published Literary Works
Jageshwar Sharma wrote and contributed to Assamese literature through poetry, essays, criticism and translation. Notable works associated with him include:
Kalidas Aru Tapasya
Sahitya Aru Sanskritir Prabhab
Lifafa
Sot Potra
Literary Contributions
His literary contribution extended across several areas:
Poetry and creative writing
Literary criticism
Assamese essays
Translation
Literary and cultural studies
Promotion of Assamese language and literature
Contribution to higher education and intellectual life in Assam
Positions Held
Jageshwar Sharma held several important academic and literary responsibilities during his career.
Major positions and responsibilities included:
Teacher in a higher secondary school
Lecturer at Jagannath Barua College, Jorhat
Professor at Cotton College
Professor at Murarichand College, Sylhet
Founding Principal of Nagaon College
Principal of Nagaon College until his retirement in 1968
President of the Asam Sahitya Sabha session at Tihu in 1976
Awards and Recognition
Jageshwar Sharma received recognition for his academic and literary contributions.
Major honors associated with him include:
Dattadev Goswami Gold Medal for academic achievement
Sarada Prasad Prize
Puchete Prize
Sahityacharya title from the Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1988
Recognition as President of the Asam Sahitya Sabha session at Tihu in 1976
Contribution to Education and Society
Jageshwar Sharma's contribution was not limited to literature. He played a significant role in the development of higher education in Assam, particularly through his work at Nagaon College. As its founding Principal, he helped establish the institution during its formative years and worked toward developing it into a recognized center of higher education.
He was also associated with social, economic and public activities in Assam. His career therefore represents a combination of literary scholarship, education and public service.
Later Life and Death
In the later years of his life, Jageshwar Sharma continued to remain connected with literature despite declining health and the loss of his hearing and eyesight. His strong memory and continued interest in literary pursuits reflected his lifelong dedication to Assamese literature.
Jageshwar Sharma passed away on 13 November 1998. He left behind a legacy as a teacher, poet, writer, critic and educationist whose work contributed to the development of Assamese literary and educational institutions.
Legacy
Jageshwar Sharma is remembered among the notable literary and educational personalities of Assam. His work as a founding Principal of Nagaon College helped strengthen higher education in the state, while his writings contributed to Assamese poetry, essays, literary criticism and translation.
His presidency of the Asam Sahitya Sabha at Tihu in 1976 and the Sahityacharya honor conferred on him in 1988 further reflect his standing in Assamese literary life. His legacy continues through his literary works and his contribution to the educational development of Assam.
FAQs about Jageshwar Sharma
Who was Jageshwar Sharma?
Jageshwar Sharma was a prominent Assamese writer, poet, essayist, translator, literary critic, professor and educationist who contributed significantly to Assamese literature and education.
When was Jageshwar Sharma born?
Jageshwar Sharma was born in 1906 at Hamdoi Bagar village near Titabor in the Jorhat region of Assam.
When did Jageshwar Sharma die?
Jageshwar Sharma passed away on 13 November 1998.
Who was Jageshwar Sharma's father?
His father was Lakshminath Sharma and his mother was Kokileswari Devi.
Where did Jageshwar Sharma complete his higher education?
He studied at Cotton College and later completed his M.A. in English from Calcutta University in 1929.
What was Jageshwar Sharma's role at Nagaon College?
Jageshwar Sharma was the founding Principal of Nagaon College and played an important role in developing the institution during its formative years.
When did Jageshwar Sharma preside over the Asam Sahitya Sabha?
He presided over the Asam Sahitya Sabha session held at Tihu in 1976.
Which honor did Jageshwar Sharma receive from the Asam Sahitya Sabha?
He was honored with the title Sahityacharya by the Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1988.
What are some famous works of Jageshwar Sharma?
His notable works include Kalidas Aru Tapasya, Sahitya Aru Sanskritir Prabhab, Lifafa and Sot Potra.
Why is Jageshwar Sharma remembered in Assam?
Jageshwar Sharma is remembered for his contribution to Assamese literature, education and public life, particularly his work as a writer and literary critic and his role as the founding Principal of Nagaon College.
