Bhattadeva - The Father Of Assamese Prose

Bhattadeva is widely regarded as the father of Assamese prose for his pioneering efforts in developing literary prose in the Assamese language during the 16th century. His real name was Baikunthanath Bhattacharya, and he was a Sanskrit scholar, philosopher, and writer from the Kamrup region of Assam.

Bhattadeva was born to Chandra Bharati and Tara Devi in a Brahmin family of Bichankuchi, Bajali (Kamrup). After finishing his education he became a disciple of Damodara Deva and succeeded him as the head of Patbausi satra at Barpeta. He established the Byaskuchi satra some time later where he died. He is best known for Katha Bhagavat and Katha Gita, though some minor works like Saranamalika and Prasangamala are also ascribed to him.

Bhattadeva’s literary legacy lies in his translation of sacred Sanskrit texts into simple, rhythmic Assamese prose so that common people could access religious and philosophical knowledge. His work not only laid the foundation for prose literature in Assamese but also helped standardize the language.

Notable Contributions:

• Katha Bhagavat: A prose rendering of the Bhagavata Purana. It is considered the first major work of Assamese prose, written in an elegant and accessible style.

• Katha Gita: A translation of the Bhagavad Gita in prose form, another important milestone in Assamese literary tradition.

• Use of Colloquial Language: Bhattadeva's writings used everyday spoken Assamese, making religious texts comprehensible to the masses.

Historical Importance:

Bhattadeva transformed the literary landscape of medieval Assam by shifting from poetic to prose expression. At a time when Sanskrit was dominant in religious texts, his bold step to write in the vernacular was a cultural revolution. He is credited with bridging the gap between classical scholarship and the layperson, making knowledge more democratic and far-reaching.

Legacy:

• Revered as the pioneer of Assamese prose writing.

• Recognized in Assamese school curricula and state-level competitive exams.

• An inspiration to later writers like Hemchandra Barua and Lakshminath Bezbaroa.

• A literary icon whose impact shaped the course of Assamese language development.

Summary:

Bhattadeva’s influence goes beyond literature — he is a symbol of linguistic identity, cultural pride, and intellectual progress in Assam. His contributions remain foundational to the Assamese literary canon and continue to be studied, celebrated, and remembered as a turning point in the region's cultural history. Bhattadev University of Assam is named after him.