Bishnu Prasad Rabha

‘Kalaguru’ of Assam

Bishnu Prasad Rabha, the doyen of Assamese culture, is endearingly remembered as Kalaguru. Born on 31st January 1909 at Dhaka, where his father Gopal Rabha served as Subedar Major in the British Army, his ancestral home was in the South Kamrup district of Assam. From an early age, Rabha displayed extraordinary intellectual and artistic promise.

He received his primary education in Dhaka and passed his Matriculation from Tezpur High School in 1926 in the first division. He completed his I.S.C. from St. Paul’s College in 1928. Although he pursued studies at Ripon College, Kolkata, and Victoria College, Rangpur, he could not complete his B.Sc. degree. The intensifying Indian freedom movement and the repressive measures of the British Government significantly disrupted his academic journey, which came to an end in 1931.

A Cultural Rebel and Thinker

The philosophy of Bishnu Prasad Rabha’s life is reflected in his multifaceted contributions to art, literature, and society. He emerged as one of the foremost cultural rebel-thinkers of his time, shaping contemporary Assamese culture with his artistic and literary vision. His works transcended boundaries, embodying a spirit of social awakening and cultural renaissance.

A Versatile Genius

Rabha was a polymath who excelled in painting, dance, drama, music, cinema, gramophone recordings, and journalism. His mastery of dance, particularly the Tandava, mesmerized audiences. Following a recital at Varanasi, he was conferred the title Kalaguru by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in recognition of his artistic brilliance.

His poetry inspired revolutionary zeal among the youth of Assam, infusing new energy into Assamese literature. His musical compositions, deeply rooted in Assamese tradition, combined lyrical beauty with cultural authenticity. Through his artistic expressions, Rabha sought to educate and awaken the masses.

Literary and Social Contributions

Bishnu Prasad Rabha made significant literary contributions grounded in historical and anthropological insights into Assamese culture. He strongly advocated mass education through artistic and cultural activities and recognized the power of media in fostering fraternity among diverse races and dialect groups in undivided Assam.

In 1967, he was elected as a Member of the Assam Legislative Assembly from the Tezpur constituency, reflecting his commitment to public service and social change.

Legacy and Commemoration

Bishnu Prasad Rabha passed away on 20th June 1969, leaving behind an enduring legacy as an artist, thinker, and cultural icon of Assam.

To honor his remarkable contributions to Assamese culture and Indian society, the Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Bishnu Prasad Rabha, celebrating the life and achievements of this revered Kalaguru.