Print Modernity in Colonial Assam

Print Modernity in Colonial Assam explores literary trends in colonial Assam, challenging the emphasis on periodicals and magazines. It highlights alternative trends and a reading public, with the standardization of the Assamese language and the rise of the middle class leading to purity and experimentation. Pre-modern verse is presented as an alternative practice. At the time of Indian independence, issues of education and morality were discussed, with attempts to prevent gender bias.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Print Modernity in Colonial Assam explores the historical context of colonial Assam and examines literary trends that were either acknowledged or ignored in the periodicals and magazines of the time. Raktima Bhuyan and Sanjib Pol Deka advocate for alternative literary trends and a reading public in colonial Assam. The standardization of the Assamese language, coupled with the rise of the middle class, led to a purer form of the language and experimentation with Western mediums like the novel. This book highlights pre-modern verse as an alternative literary practice that was equally embraced by the reading public during this period. As India approached independence, issues such as education, which was seen as a blessing of colonial modernity, came under scrutiny in the writings of the period, including speeches, essays, and textbooks. Discussions emerged about the morality and gender bias inherent in these works and efforts were made to address them.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666905410