The History of Assamese Newspapers is closely linked with the growth of the Assamese language and modern literature. The journey began in the 19th century when printed publications were still new in Assam. These publications brought news, science, history, religion, and literature closer to common readers. Students preparing for teaching exams can also explore CTET Coaching in Assam for focused exam preparation and guidance.
However, terms such as newspaper, magazine, journal, and periodical were not always used separately during that period. Some early publications carried both news and literary content. Therefore, students should understand their nature before learning their names and dates.
History of Assamese Newspapers: How the Journey Began
The History of Assamese Newspapers began during British rule. At that time, Assam had very few printing facilities. Moreover, the Assamese language faced a difficult phase because Bengali had replaced Assamese in courts and schools in 1836.
American Baptist missionaries played an important role in changing this situation. They established printing presses and published books, translations, and educational materials in Assamese. Their work helped the language return to public life.
The Development of print media in Assam was not limited to reporting news. Early publications also introduced readers to science, geography, history, health and world affairs. At the same time, they offered a platform to Assamese writers and thinkers. For students interested in the legal field, understanding the Assam Judicial Service Eligibility can be a useful next step.
Orunodoi: The Beginning of Assamese Print Journalism
No account of the History of Assamese Newspapers can begin without Orunodoi, also written as Arunodoi. The word means “sunrise” or “dawn,” which suited its role in Assamese society.
Orunodoi was first published in January 1846 from Sivasagar, then commonly written as Sibsagar. It was printed at the American Baptist Mission Press. Reverend Nathan Brown was its first editor, while missionary printer Oliver Thomas Cutter handled its printing and publication.
It was a monthly publication with the stated focus on religion, science and general knowledge. Although spreading Christianity was one of its aims, its content was much wider. It carried news, history, science, geography, astronomy and useful information from different parts of the world.
The Orunodoi magazine history is also important because the publication supported Assamese prose. Writers such as Anandaram Dhekial Phukan, Hemchandra Barua and Gunabhiram Barua became associated with the new intellectual environment created during this period.
Was Orunodoi a Newspaper or a Magazine?
This is one of the most common areas of confusion in the History of Assamese Newspapers. Orunodoi is described as a monthly periodical, magazine, and newspaper-cum-magazine in different academic works.
It is widely recognised as the First Assamese magazine. At the same time, several books and exam resources also refer to it as the First Assamese newspaper because it regularly published news and current information.
Therefore, both descriptions appear in historical discussions. The safest and most accurate description is that Orunodoi was the first Assamese-language periodical and a monthly magazine-cum-newspaper.
Similarly, the search for the First Assamese journal does not always produce a separate name. In early Assamese print culture, “journal,” “magazine” and “periodical” often referred to similar types of publications. For readers who are also exploring government job opportunities in Assam, it can be useful to understand the eligibility, salary, and career options available in state police recruitment. You can learn more about the Assam Police SI and Constable posts, including their eligibility requirements, salary structure, and career growth.
Important Facts About Orunodoi
| Category | Details |
| First published | January 1846 |
| Place of publication | Sivasagar, Assam |
| Printing press | American Baptist Mission Press |
| First editor | Reverend Nathan Brown |
| Printer and publisher | Oliver Thomas Cutter |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Main subjects | Religion, science, history, geography and current events |
| Contribution | Helped strengthen modern Assamese prose |
| Meaning of “Orunodoi” | “Sunrise” or “Dawn” |
| Literary role | Provided a platform for early Assamese writers and scholars |
Early Assamese Newspapers and Magazines After Orunodoi
The History of Assamese Newspapers entered a new stage after Orunodoi. Several publications appeared in different parts of Assam during the second half of the 19th century.
Early Assamese newspapers and magazines included the following important names:
Assam Bilasini
Assam Bilasini was published in 1871 from Auniati Satra in Majuli. It was printed through the Dharma Prakash Press established at the satra. It is generally recognised as the second Assamese newspaper after Orunodoi.
Its publication was important because it showed that Assamese printing was no longer limited to missionary organisations. Indigenous religious and cultural institutions had also begun using print to reach readers.
Assam Mihir
Assam Mihir appeared in 1872 from Guwahati. Although it did not continue for a long period, it formed part of the expanding Assamese press during the 19th century.
Assam Darpan
Assam Darpan was published from Tezpur in 1874. Like many publications of the period, it contributed to the gradual spread of reading and public discussion in Assam.
Goalpara Hitashadhini
Goalpara Hitashadhini was published from Goalpara in 1876. Its appearance showed that print activity was spreading beyond Sivasagar and Guwahati.
Chandroday and Assam Dipak
Chandroday was published from Nagaon in 1876. Assam Dipak also appeared in the same year from Guwahati. These publications added variety to the growing print culture of the region.
Assam News
Assam News began in Guwahati in 1885. It was an Anglo-Assamese weekly, meaning it used both English and Assamese. It was edited by Hemchandra Barua and published by Manik Chandra Barua. It discussed news and matters of public interest.
Assam Bandhu
Assam Bandhu was another important publication launched in 1885. It was edited by Gunabhiram Barua and published from Nagaon. It contained literary writing, essays and discussions on society.
Jonaki and the Birth of a New Literary Age
The History of Assamese Newspapers is also the history of Assamese literary magazines. Among them, Jonaki holds a special place.
The first issue of Jonaki appeared in Calcutta on 9 February 1889. Chandra Kumar Agarwala was its first editor. The publication was connected with the Asamiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha, an organisation formed by Assamese students living in Calcutta.
Jonaki gave a fresh direction to Assamese poetry, prose, criticism and creative writing. Moreover, it introduced romantic ideas into Assamese literature. Chandra Kumar Agarwala, Lakshminath Bezbaroa and Hemchandra Goswami became the leading figures of this movement. Together, they are often called the Trimurti of the Jonaki Era.
Jonaki was more than a literary magazine. It encouraged educated Assamese youth to protect and develop their language. As a result, the period influenced an entire generation of writers.
Bijuli, Banhi and Other Important Literary Magazines
The History of Assamese Newspapers would remain incomplete without the magazines that followed Jonaki. They helped new writers publish their work and allowed readers to discuss society, culture and literature.
Bijuli
Bijuli began publication from Calcutta around 1890. It was associated with the Assamese Literary Club. It carried poems, essays, literary criticism and other creative works. However, it did not gain the same lasting fame as Jonaki.
Banhi
Banhi was launched in 1909 under the editorship of Lakshminath Bezbaroa. Its name means “flute.” The magazine carried literature as well as discussions on society, religion, culture and public issues.
Bezbaroa used Banhi to develop critical thinking among readers. The magazine also provided space to many established and upcoming writers.
Awahan
Awahan began publication in October 1929. Dinanath Sarma was its founder-editor. It became one of the leading Assamese literary magazines of its time.
The magazine published short stories, novels, poems, translations and essays. In fact, its influence was so strong that a phase of Assamese literature came to be known as the Awahan Era.
Ramdhenu
Ramdhenu was launched in 1950. It became a major platform for modern Assamese writers, especially during the years when Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya served as its editor.
The magazine encouraged new approaches to fiction, poetry and literary criticism. Therefore, the period influenced by it is remembered as the Ramdhenu Era in Assamese literature.
Growth of Weekly and Daily Newspapers in Assam
The History of Assamese Newspapers gradually moved from monthly literary publications to regular news reporting. Better printing methods, improved transport and rising literacy created demand for weekly and daily papers.
In 1918, Chandra Kumar Agarwala started an Assamese weekly named Asamiya from Dibrugarh. Later, it was published from Guwahati.
Siva Prasad Barooah started the weekly Sadinia Batori from Thengal, near Jorhat, in 1929. It prepared the ground for a major development in Assamese journalism.
On 12 August 1935, Dainik Batori was launched from Thengal Bhawan near Jorhat. Siva Prasad Barooah was its founder, while Nilmoni Phukan was its editor. It is recognised as the first full-fledged Assamese daily newspaper.
A one-page local daily called Nagarar Katha appeared in Jorhat shortly before Dainik Batori. However, historians generally do not treat it as a full-scale daily newspaper. Thus, Dainik Batori retains its recognised position.
Role of Early Publications in Assamese Society
The History of Assamese Newspapers is not only a list of publication dates. These newspapers and magazines changed Assamese society in several ways.
They Protected the Assamese Language
The early press proved that Assamese could be used for news, science, essays and modern literature. This helped the language regain respect during a difficult period.
They Created New Readers
Printed publications introduced regular reading habits. Students, teachers and educated families began discussing news, literature and social issues.
They Encouraged Assamese Writers
Writers gained platforms for publishing poems, stories, essays and opinions. As a result, Assamese literature developed new forms and styles.
They Spread Modern Knowledge
Orunodoi and later publications introduced readers to science, medicine, geography, history and events outside Assam. Thus, they opened a window to the wider world.
They Built Public Awareness
Newspapers encouraged people to think about education, social customs, identity and public affairs. Later, the press also became connected with reform movements and the freedom struggle.
History of Assamese Journalism: Important Exam Facts
The History of Assamese journalism is an important topic for APSC, ADRE, Assam Police, teaching, and other state-level examinations. Students should remember the following facts:
- Orunodoi was first published in January 1846.
- Reverend Nathan Brown was its first editor.
- It was printed at the American Baptist Mission Press in Sivasagar.
- Assam Bilasini was published by Auniati Satra in 1871.
- Assam News was an Anglo-Assamese weekly launched in 1885.
- Gunabhiram Barua edited Assam Bandhu.
- Jonaki first appeared on 9 February 1889 in Calcutta.
- Chandra Kumar Agarwala was Jonaki’s first editor.
- Banhi began under Lakshminath Bezbaroa’s editorship in 1909.
- Sadinia Batori was launched as a weekly in 1929.
- Dainik Batori began on 12 August 1935.
- Dainik Batori is recognised as the first full-fledged Assamese daily.
- Siva Prasad Barooah founded Dainik Batori.
- Nilmoni Phukan was its editor.
Conclusion
The History of Assamese Newspapers reflects Assam’s journey from limited printing facilities to a rich culture of journalism and literature. Orunodoi opened the first door in 1846. Later, Assam Bilasini, Assam News, Jonaki, Banhi, Awahan, and Ramdhenu carried the journey forward. These publications did more than share information. They protected the Assamese language, encouraged writers, and created social awareness. Finally, newspapers such as Dainik Batori established regular daily journalism in the state. For students of Majestic Academy, remembering the publication year, place, editor, and special contribution of each publication can make this topic easier to revise for competitive examinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which was the earliest Assamese publication?
Orunodoi was the earliest Assamese-language periodical. It first appeared in January 1846 from Sivasagar. Reverend Nathan Brown served as its first editor, while the American Baptist Mission Press printed it. Since it contained news, literature, and general knowledge, scholars describe it as a magazine-cum-newspaper.
Q2. Why was Jonaki important in Assamese literature?
Jonaki introduced a new age of poetry, prose and creative thought in Assamese literature. Its first issue appeared in Calcutta on 9 February 1889 under Chandra Kumar Agarwala. It also provided a platform to Lakshminath Bezbaroa, Hemchandra Goswami and other major writers of the period.
Q3. Which was the first Assamese daily newspaper?
Dainik Batori is recognised as the first full-fledged Assamese daily newspaper. It was launched from Thengal Bhawan near Jorhat on 12 August 1935. Siva Prasad Barooah founded the paper, and Nilmoni Phukan served as its editor.
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