Chandra Kumar Agarwala, born on 28 November 1867, remains an indelible figure in Assamese literature. Hailing from Brahmajan near Gohpur in the Sonitpur district of Assam, Agarwala was more than a writer and poet; he was a torchbearer of the Jonaki Era, an age of romanticism that infused new life into Assamese literary expression.
Born into the affluent Agarwala family, Chandra Kumar was the second son of Haribilash Agarwala (1842-1916). His early education commenced in Tezpur, where he embarked on a journey that would shape the literary landscape of Assam.
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Although he initially pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree, he returned home before completion, marking the beginning of his literary pursuits. Chandra Kumar Agarwala's literary prowess found expression in the written word, and he earned the title of "Pratimar Khonikor" in Assamese literature.
A trailblazer in the Jonaki magazine, he served as its first editor and financer. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Oxomiya Bhaxa Unnati Xadhini Xobha, a literary organisation that became a cornerstone for Assamese writers. Alongside his close associates Lakshminath Bezbarua and Hemchandra Goswami, Agarwala forms the "Trimurti of Assamese literature." Together, they laid the foundation for modern Assamese literature, ushering in an era of creativity and cultural renaissance.
Agarwala's literary legacy is etched in poems that transcend time. Some of his notable works include:
1. Bon Kunwori: Considered the first Assamese romantic poem, this piece marked a shift in the literary landscape.
2. Pratima (1914): A significant contribution to Assamese literature.
3. Bin-boragi (1923): Another milestone in his poetic journey.
4. Chandramrit (1967): A posthumous collection that continues to captivate readers.
Chandra Kumar Agarwala's impact extended beyond his lifetime, influencing generations of writers. His brother, writer and poet Ananda Chandra Agarwala, and nephew Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, a multifaceted creative force, further carried the family's literary torch.
On March 2, 1938, Chandra Kumar Agarwala passed away at his residence in Uzan Bazaar, Guwahati. His departure left a void, but his literary contributions endure, continuing to inspire and shape the cultural heritage of Assam.
