ECHOES OF FREEDOM: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PATRIOTIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE POETRY OF MA‘RÛF AL-RUṢÂFÎ AND AMBIKAGIRI RAICHOUDHURY

This paper explores the converging and diverging currents of patriotic sentiment in the works of Ma‘rûf al-Ruṣâfî, a seminal figure in modern Arabic poetry, and Ambikagiri Raichoudhury, a towering voice in Assamese literature. Both poets, though rooted in distinct linguistic, cultural, and political contexts, employ poetry as a powerful instrument of resistance, awakening national consciousness, and articulating the aspirations of their people. Al-Ruṣâfî’s verse reflects the socio-political upheavals of early 20th-century Iraq under Ottoman and British influence, marked by his advocacy for educational reform, social justice, and liberation from foreign control. In contrast, Raichoudhury’s poetry resonates with the struggles of colonial Assam, channelling a fierce determination to protect Assamese identity, language, and cultural heritage under British rule. The study examines their poetic strategies, ranging from lyrical evocation of the homeland to sharp political critique, while also highlighting thematic overlaps such as sacrifice, unity, and the moral duty of citizens. Through a comparative lens, the paper highlights how both poets, despite differences in their milieus, employed the medium of poetry not merely as an art form but as a socio-political manifesto. The analysis demonstrates that their works transcend temporal and geographical boundaries, contributing to a shared literary heritage of anti-colonial thought and patriotic fervour. Keywords: Ma‘rûf al-Ruṣâfî, Ambikagiri Raichoudhury, patriotic poetry, anti-colonial literature, comparative study, national consciousness