Dr. Maheswar Neog

Dr. Maheswar Neog

Professor Dr. Maheswar Neog (7 September 1915 – 13 September 1995) was a legendary Assamese scholar, literary critic, cultural historian, and pioneer of Satriya dance revival. Born in Kamarphadia village on the banks of the Dikhow River in Sivasagar, Assam, he emerged as one of the most respected intellectuals of modern India.

Dr. Neog’s father, Manik Chandra Neog, though without formal education, served as his first teacher, instilling values of discipline, simplicity, and a passion for learning. Maheswar Neog passed his Matriculation with star marks and letters in four subjects. He earned his B.A. in Assamese from Cotton College (1939) and M.A. in Modern Indian Languages from Kolkata (1947).

His scholarly journey began as a school teacher, but despite financial challenges, he rose to become a towering academic figure, contributing immensely to various fields like literature, epigraphy, folklore, lexicography, fine arts, performing arts, religion, historiography, and Indian philosophy.

Academic and Professional Milestones:

  • 1948: Joined Gauhati University as a faculty member

  • 1954: Appointed Deputy Director of the Literary Workshop at Santiniketan, under the Government of India

  • 1966–1978: Served as Jawaharlal Nehru Professor at Gauhati University

  • 1978–1984: Held the position of Sankardev Professor at Punjabi University, Patiala

  • 1974–1977: Dean, Faculty of Arts, Gauhati University

Dr. Neog played a pivotal role in bringing Assam’s Satriya dance from monastic confines to the national stage. In 1958, he introduced Satriya dance at a Sangeet Natak Akademi seminar at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, placing it alongside India’s classical dance forms like Bharat Natyam and Kathak.

Notable Contributions & Recognition:

  • 1974: Honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his contribution to literature and education

  • 1974: Served as President of Asam Sahitya Sabha

  • Presided over the All India Oriental Conference (23rd session) and Fine Arts Department of Aligarh Muslim University

  • Served on the Bharatiya Jnanpith Award Selection Board, and Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO

  • Member of Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti and visited East European countries as part of a lecture tour

Dr. Neog’s most celebrated scholarly work is Sankardeva and His Times: Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Assam – a landmark study in Assamese religious and cultural history. Another seminal work is Prachya Sasanavali – an in-depth exploration of epigraphy in Eastern India over 600 years.

Selected Works:

  • Sankardeva and His Times – cultural and religious history

  • Prachya Sasanavali – epigraphy of Eastern India

  • Numerous critical editions of Sanskrit and Assamese texts

  • Research articles on folklore, performing arts, and Assamese literary evolution

He began writing at a young age, composing his first poem in Class III and contributing scholarly articles while still a graduate. His article on Assamese marriage songs was published in The Indian Review (1939), setting the tone for a prolific research career.

Dr. Neog’s works received acclaim from leading scholars such as Prof. Suniti Kumar Chatterjee, Prof. Sushin Kumar De, Prof. D.C. Sirkar, and Dr. Nihar Ranjan Ray, acknowledging his encyclopedic intellect and literary vision.

Legacy:

Professor Dr. Maheswar Neog is remembered as one of the most respected modern Assamese intellectuals, representing the Nava Vaishnava tradition with distinction. His lifelong commitment to exploring and preserving Assamese culture, literature, art, and identity continues to inspire students, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts.

He passed away on 13 September 1995, leaving behind a rich legacy of knowledge, cultural revival, and academic excellence.