Baikunthanatha Bhagavata Bhattacharya | |
|---|---|
| Born | Baikunthanatha Bhattacharya 23 March 1558 Bichankuchi , Bajali, Barpeta, Assam (India) |
| Died | 3 January 1638 (aged 79) Byaskuchi, Barpeta. |
| Pen name | Bhattadeva |
| Occupation | Litterateur |
| Language | Assamese language[1] of Early Assamese[2] |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Period | Mediaval period |
| Notable works | Katha Bhagavata,[3] Katha Gita,[4] Katha Ratnavali,[5] Bhakti Viveka (Sanskrit)[6] |
Bhattadeva (1558–1638), (Baikunthanatha Bhagavata Bhattacharya) is acknowledged as the father of Assamese prose.[7] Though Bhaktiratnakar-katha, the Assamese translation of Sankardev's Sanskrit composition Bhaktiratnakar by Gopala Charana Dwija preceded the works of Bhattadeva,[8] Bhattadeva's prose had an influence in the development of a high and dignified style. Bhattadeva's and Gopala Charana Dvija's 16th century works are considered to be the earliest examples of prose in Indian languages.[9] Bhattadeva's erudition in Sanskrit grammar and literature, and his command over the Bhagavata earned him the title of Bhagavata Bhattacharya.[10]
- ^ "..it was Bhattadeva who gave a distinct shape to Assamese prose... In all these writings traces of the Kamrupi dialect are quite distinct" (Goswami 1970, p. 7)
- ^ "It was in his (Bhattadeva's) hands that Assamese prose was hardened, nourished and was fitted for the expression of high spiritual matters" (Barua 1953, p. 129).
- ^ (Barua 1953, p. 129)
- ^ (Barua 1953, p. 129)
- ^ (Sarma 1987, p. 480)
- ^ (Sarma 1987, p. 480)
- ^ (Sarma 1987, p. 480)
- ^ (Saikia 1997, p. 16)
- ^ (Saikia 1997, p. 16)
- ^ "Bhattadeva had a profound grammar and literature which earned for him the title of Bhagavata Bhattacharya" (versed in the Bhagavata). (Barua 1953, p. 131)