Abstract

Assamese oral lyrical poetry derived from past which are now available in their written form, reflects various aspects of Assamese society. Its huge bulk is a proud asset to Assamese literature and culture. To trace out the earliest stage of it, one will have to resort to oral-lyrics which were originated in the hoary past. The great variety of the oral-lyrics like Nicukani gῑt, Biyā-nām, Āinām, Bihugῑt etc. and many other ballads like Badan Barphukanar gῑt, Piayali Phukanar gῑt, Manirām Dewānar gῑt, Patharughātar raṇar gῑt etc. which were transmitted from generation to generation, despite undergoing a natural process of distortion and interpolation, are valuable assets for researchers. This paper aims at giving an account of the old literary intellectual tradition and heritage and history of the Assamese.

Key words: Oral lyrics, folk song, Nicukani gῑt, Biyā-nām, Āinām, Bihugῑt, Badan Barphukanar gῑt, Piayali Phukanar gῑt, Manirām Dewānar gῑt, Patharughātar raṇar gῑt.