Khagen Mahanta - The Legendary Bihu Samrat Of Assam

Khagen Mahanta, popularly revered as the Bihu Samrat of Assam (King of Assamese Bihu Songs), was a towering figure in the world of Assamese folk music. He was born on 17th August 1942 in Aamtala Gajala Satra, near Jajari Borguri in the Nagaon district of Assam. His birthplace, rooted in the Mahapuruxiya Satras established by Srimanta Sankardev and Madhabdev, set the foundation for his deep cultural association. His father was Harendranath Mahanta, and his mother was Lakshmipriya Devi.

Khagen Mahanta's musical journey began early—by the age of 15, he was already performing in music concerts in Shillong, the then capital of undivided Assam. Deeply passionate about Bihu songs, Borgeet, and Assamese folk music, he devoted his life to preserving and promoting Assam’s rich musical heritage.

After completing his matriculation in 1957 from Nagaon Government High School, he pursued higher education at St. Edmund’s College in Shillong. In 1959, he earned national recognition by winning a Gold Medal in the Inter-University Youth Festival for his performance on the Khul, a traditional Assamese drum. The same year, he appeared on Delhi Doordarshan, during its inaugural broadcast year, receiving appreciation for his musical presentation.

His academic journey saw him join Nagaon College and later Gauhati University, where he enrolled in both English and History departments. However, his deep dedication to music led him to step away from formal education to fully pursue his artistic calling.

Khagen Mahanta played an important role during the Assamese Language Movement in 1960, aligning with cultural stalwarts like Bishnuprasad Rabha, Hemanga Biswas, and Jugal Das as part of the Harmony Group, which used music to promote social values and unity.

His first gramophone record was broadcast in 1961 from All India Radio (AIR), Guwahati. The same year, he performed at the World Peace Festival in Calcutta and later represented India in a cultural exchange program to Nepal in 1965.

In 1973, he married Archana Mahanta, a renowned Assamese folk singer and actress. Together, they became iconic for taking Bihu songs to national and international stages, preserving the vibrant rhythms of Assamese folk music. Their contribution also extended to other forms such as Borgeet, Biya Naam, and Goxa.

In 1976, Khagen Mahanta officially joined All India Radio Guwahati as a music director and was promoted to music composer in 1986. A soft-spoken gentleman, he was admired for his humility and dedication to the cause of cultural preservation.

His invaluable contributions were recognized with several honors, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1992), the Sangeetacharya title, the Film Craft Award, and the Shrimoy Award.

Khagen Mahanta's legacy continues through his son Papon (Angaraag Mahanta), a celebrated singer in Indian contemporary music, and daughter Kingkini Mahanta. He passed away suddenly on 12 June 2014 at his residence in Nigaji Paam, Guwahati, leaving behind an everlasting musical legacy.