Bishnu Prasad Rabha - Cultural Influence

Cultural Influence

The level of influence exerted by the Kola Guru can be observed through the fact that most cultural music competitions of Assam feature a segment called Bishnu Rabha Sangeet related to his compositions, lyrics and verse. Bishnu Prasad was an established singer. He had learnt Borgeet of Shrimanta Shankar Deva and gave the genre a new significance for the modern times. There are more than hundred songs composed by him. His songs are collectively called as Bishnu Rabha Sangeet. This was a new genre of Assamese. In his songs one can see diverse themes like tributes to the Mother Nature, the exploitation of the peasant masses by the colonial rulers, the revolts of the workers at tea industries etc. His songs also reflects his revolutionary ideal and the country’s struggle for real freedom. Some of his songs are popular among children even today and will be, for all times to come. Some leading numbers include ‘Xurore Deulore, ’Bilote Halise’, etc.

He advocated the need to be aware of other people's cultures, views and religion etc. and advocated for a world community - a true humanist ideal.

His evergreen compositions includes song like Para jonomor khubho logonor, logon ukali gol, roi roi keteki,tilai tilai, kurua botah and many more to mention. He was a great actor. He used to perform dramas at Bann theatre of tezpur which is regarded to be one of the oldest cultural activity centers of Assam. He also translated the famous song of revolution "Internationale" by Eugène Pottier into Assamese. His paintings are still preserved in his residence at Tezpur. Many of his art works are considered to be remarkable, as it were worked on with such a great perfection even at that time.