1. Introduction
Benudhar Sharma (1894–1981) was a towering figure in Assamese literature, a meticulous historical researcher, a fierce journalist, and an unyielding freedom fighter. Widely celebrated for unearthing and chronicling the lost or overlooked chapters of Assam’s past—particularly the martyrdom of Maniram Dewan—he played a crucial role in shaping modern Assamese prose and awakening nationalistic fervor during India’s independence movement.
2. Quick Facts
- Full Name: Benudhar Sharma
- Native Name: বেণুধৰ শৰ্মা (Assamese)
- Date of Birth: 16 November 1894
- Place of Birth: Charing, Sivasagar District, Assam, British India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation/Profession: Writer, Historian, Journalist, Social Activist, and Freedom Fighter
- Field of Achievement: Assamese Literature, Historical Research, and Journalism
- Years Active: 1918–1981
3. Award Information (Padma Bhushan)
- Award Name: Padma Bhushan
- Award Category: India’s Third-Highest Civilian Honour
- Award Year: 1983 (Posthumous)
- Presented By: The President of India
- Date of Ceremony: 1983 (Republic Day honors cycle)
- Citation/Official Reason: Awarded posthumously in recognition of his exceptional services and distinguished contributions to literature, education, and historical research.
- Previous Recipients: Notable literary figures and public intellectuals from the 1982 honors list.
- Next Recipients: Distinguished awardees from the subsequent national honors list.
4. Why They Received the Award
Benudhar Sharma was honored with the Padma Bhushan for his lifelong dedication to unearthing the authentic history of Assam and enriching Assamese literature. Through timeless historical biographies, critical essays, and active participation in the freedom movement, he preserved the cultural identity and historical consciousness of Northeast India.
5. Early Life
Born on 16 November 1894 in the historical village of Charing in the Sivasagar district of Assam, Sharma grew up immersed in a rich environment of traditional Assamese culture and folklore. His childhood proximity to historical sites imbued him with a deep curiosity about Assam’s heritage, setting the stage for his eventual path as a historian.
6. Education
- Schooling: Completed his primary education locally and passed his matriculation from Sivasagar Government High School.
- Higher Education: Moved to Calcutta for higher studies, attending Bangabasi College. However, answering Mahatma Gandhi’s call, he abandoned his formal college education mid-way to plunge directly into the Non-Cooperation Movement.
7. Career Journey
- Freedom Struggle & Social Activism: Traveled across Assamese villages preaching Swadeshi ideals, participating actively in the anti-opium campaign and Congress party initiatives.
- Journalism & Publishing: Due to financial constraints, he engaged in diverse professions. He worked as a sub-editor for Dainik Batori (the first Assamese daily) and edited the periodical Tarun Asom.
- Literary Leadership: Served as the President of the prestigious Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1956.
8. Major Achievements
- Sahitya Akademi Award (1960): Awarded for his prominent essay collection Congressor Kanchiyali Rodot. He was only the second Assamese writer to win this distinction.
- Magnum Opus (Maniram Dewan): Published Maniram Dewan in 1950, a meticulously researched historical biography that brought the 1857 freedom fighter and martyr back into national prominence.
- Prolific Output: Authored dozens of vital books covering history, culture, and biographies, such as Satawan Saal, Gangagobinda Phukan, and studies on Assamese traditions like Bihu.
9. Contribution to the Nation
Sharma single-handedly rescued crucial archives, letters, and historical oral histories from oblivion, giving Assam its true narrative map. He bridged the gap between common citizens and the nation’s freedom struggle by writing inspiring accounts of regional heroes like Lachit Borphukan and Maniram Dewan, embedding deep patriotic values into generations of readers.
10. Other Awards and Honours
- Sahitya Akademi Award (1960): For Congressor Kanchiyali Rodot.
- Padma Bhushan (1983, Posthumous): Conferred by the Government of India.
- Honorary Titles: Revered by peers and literary societies with titles such as Itihas Ratna, Buronji Jadukar, and Buronji Surya for his mastery over historical research.
11. Legacy and Influence
Benudhar Sharma is remembered as the “weaver bird” of Assamese history who painstakingly gathered scattered historical snippets to build a formidable foundation for regional historiography. His books remain primary reference materials for scholars studying the socio-economic and political history of colonial and pre-colonial Assam.
12. Interesting Facts
- A Shared Departure: In a striking historical coincidence, Benudhar Sharma passed away on 26 February 1981—the exact same calendar date (123 years later) as his ultimate historical idol, Maniram Dewan, who was hanged by the British.
- Overcoming Adversity: Despite facing severe economic hardships throughout his life, he never compromised on his research standards or his commitment to public service.
- Pioneering Translations: Early in his literary career, he translated classic world literature into Assamese, including a rendition of Robinson Crusoe as early as 1918.
13. Quotes
“A patriot to the core, Sharma believed that to instill patriotism among the masses, it is important to make them aware of the glorious aspects of the history of the nation.” — (Reflecting his core ideological philosophy)
14. Timeline
- 1894: Born on November 16 in Charing, Sivasagar, Assam
- 1918: Published his early translation work Robinson Crusoe
- 1920s: Dropped out of college to join Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement
- 1950: Published his magnum opus, the biography Maniram Dewan
- 1956: Presided over the annual session of the Asam Sahitya Sabha
- 1960: Awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for Congressor Kanchiyali Rodot
- 1981: Passed away on February 26 at the age of 86
- 1983: Posthumously conferred the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India
15. References
- Wikipedia contributors. “Benudhar Sharma.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Padma Awards Directory.
- Avinibesh Sharma. “A Peek Into the Past – Remembering Historian Benudhar Sharma.” WordPress Archives.
16. Related Personalities
- Maniram Dewan (Assamese freedom fighter and martyr, whose definitive biography was written by Sharma)
- Mahatma Gandhi (Leader whose nationwide call inspired Sharma to join the independence movement)
- Hemchandra Goswami (Noted Assamese scholar and writer whose works Sharma later edited and compiled)
17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who was Benudhar Sharma?A: He was a celebrated Assamese writer, freedom fighter, journalist, and pioneer historian renowned for documenting Assam’s freedom struggle and pre-colonial past.
- Q: What is his most famous literary work?A: His magnum opus is Maniram Dewan (1950), a monumental biography detailing the life and sacrifice of the Assamese martyr.
- Q: Did he receive any major national awards?A: Yes, he received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1960 and was posthumously honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1983.
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