Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala
Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala (1903–1951) stands as a towering figure in the cultural and artistic history of Assam. Revered as Assam’s first filmmaker, an iconic poet, a passionate freedom fighter, and a pioneer in Assamese cinema, he is lovingly remembered as "Rupkonwar" (Prince of Beauty) for his immense contribution to art and literature. His death anniversary, January 17, is commemorated across Assam as Silpi Divas (Artist's Day).
Early Life and Education
Jyoti Prasad Agarwala was born on June 17, 1903, in Tamulbari Tea Estate, Dibrugarh, Assam, into a culturally inclined family. His father, Paramananda Agarwala, and mother Kiranmayee Agarwala, raised him with strong values of patriotism and artistic expression. Though his family originally hailed from Rajasthan’s Marwar region, Jyoti Prasad considered himself an Assamese by heart and soul.
He began his education at Tezpur Government High School, completed matriculation in 1921, and then joined National College in Calcutta, completing his Intermediate in Arts (I.A.). In 1926, he went to Edinburgh University, UK to study economics, later moving to Germany, where he spent seven months at UFA Studio to learn film-making techniques.
Pioneer of Assamese Cinema
On returning to India in 1930, Jyoti Prasad immersed himself in both the freedom movement and the development of Assamese cinema. In 1934, he established Chitraban Studio at Bholaguri Tea Estate in Tezpur, and in 1935, created Assam’s first-ever film, "Joymoti", based on a historic Assamese heroine.
This made him the first filmmaker from Assam. In 1937, he opened the iconic Junaki Cinema Hall in Tezpur. He later directed "Indramalati" in 1939, Assam’s second feature film.
Literary and Musical Contributions
Apart from cinema, Jyoti Prasad was a prolific writer, poet, playwright, and composer. He began writing at age 14 and collaborated with Bishnu Prasad Rabha on notable plays like "Sonit-Konwari" and "Joymoti."
His musical legacy, known as "Jyoti Sangeet", consists of over 300 lyrical compositions, most of which were composed and sung by him. This genre became a foundational pillar of modern Assamese music.
He also republished the newspaper "Asomiya" in 1944 and penned numerous plays, including:
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Rupalim
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Karengar Ligiri
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Lobhita
For children, he wrote many engaging short stories that reflected morality, patriotism, and Assamese heritage.
Freedom Fighter and Patriot
Jyoti Prasad was not just an artist; he was an ardent patriot. He joined the Indian Freedom Movement during his school days and later dedicated himself completely to the cause. He was imprisoned for 15 months and fined ₹500 for participating in civil disobedience activities against British rule.
Personal Life and Death
In 1936, Jyoti Prasad married Devajani Bhuyan, who stood by him throughout his life. Despite a life filled with creative brilliance, he suffered from cancer in his later years. He passed away on January 17, 1951, at the age of 48.
Legacy and Honors
To honor his immense contribution to cinema and culture, the Government of Assam established Jyoti Chitraban Studio in 1961, India’s first government-owned film studio located on the outskirts of Guwahati.
His birthday and death anniversary are observed with reverence across Assam, especially Silpi Divas, a day dedicated to celebrating artists and creators in his memory.
Conclusion
Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala was not only the father of Assamese cinema but also one of its greatest cultural visionaries. His dedication to the arts, literature, and India’s freedom struggle left an indelible mark on the soul of Assam. Through his songs, plays, films, and activism, he continues to inspire generations of artists and patriots.
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