The Political Legacy of Bishnu Prasad Rabha: Revolutionary Nationalism, Peasant Mobilization and the Quest for Social Justice in Assam

AbstractBishnu Prasad Rabha (1909–1969), known as Kalaguru, played an important role inAssam’s cultural and political history. He is well known for his work in music, literature, dance,and theatre, but his efforts as a political revolutionary, socialist thinker, and supporter of agrarianjustice are just as important. Rabha’s political ideas grew out of India’s anti-colonial movementand the rise of Marxist and socialist thought in the early twentieth century. He wanted to gobeyond conventional nationalism by connecting the fight for independence with the rights ofpeasants, workers, and marginalized groups. His participation in the freedom movement,associations with left-leaning political groups, engagement in peasant movements, and advocacyfor land rights collectively demonstrate a commitment to substantial social and economictransformation.Rabha’s idea of Assamese nationalism also stood out, as he valued culturaldiversity, social equality, and the inclusion of different communities in building a democraticsociety. This paper looks at Rabha’s political beliefs and actions, especially his focus onrevolutionary nationalism, peasant movements, and social justice. It argues that Rabha deservesrecognition not only as a cultural leader but also as a political thinker who brought togetherregional nationalism, socialist ideas, and a vision for an inclusive society.