Assam's Literary Jewel: Saptakanda Ramayana

22 Jan, 2024

14th-15th century Assamese version of the Ramayana.Attributed to the famous Assamese poet Madhava Kandali.Considered one of the earliest translations from Sanskrit into a modern regional language.

Saptakanda Ramayana

Notable for the non-heroic portrayal of Rama, Sita, and other characters.Explicitly stated by Madhav Kandali, making the work unsuitable for religious purposes.

Non-Heroic Portrayal

The first (Adikanda) and last (Uttarakanda) cantos were lost.Inserted by Madhavdeva and Sankardeva respectively in the 16th century.

Lost Cantos and Insertions

Ananta Kandali, a later poet, was disturbed by the non-heroic portrayal and commented on it.

Disturbance by Ananta Kandali

Considered one of the earliest translations from Sanskrit into a modern regional language.One of the earliest written examples of Assamese literature.

Translation and Historical Significance

The Ramayana was written upon the request of Boraha king Mahamanikya (Mahamanikpha, 1411–1436).The kingdom centered on central Assam at that time.

Request and Writing of Ramayana

Various poetic metres used, including pada, jhumura, dulari, and chhavi.Pada metre became popular in later Assamese compositions.Madhava Kandali adapted the work for common folk, portraying Rama and Sita as human characters.

Poetic Style and Adaptation