Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlights Sivasagar’s historic role as the cultural and theatrical hub of Assam while inaugurating the renovated 125-year-old Sivasagar Natya Mandir, tracing the evolution of Assamese theatre from the Ahom era to modern times.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday described Sivasagar’s rich theatrical heritage as a glorious and defining chapter in the cultural history of Assam, stating that the historic town has long functioned as a nerve centre of artistic, intellectual, and creative activity.
The Chief Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the renovated Sivasagar Natya Mandir, a 125-year-old heritage theatre institution that has played a significant role in shaping Assamese performing arts. Addressing the gathering, Sarma traced the evolution of Assamese theatre from the era of the Ahom Swargadeos to the present day, highlighting the enduring cultural influence of Sivasagar.
He noted that Sivasagar, particularly the historic Rangpur area, played a pivotal role in the development of traditional theatrical practices such as Bhaona, before later becoming a hub for modern Assamese drama. According to the Chief Minister, the shift of the Ahom capital from Gargaon to Rangpur marked a turning point, ushering in renewed royal patronage for theatre and cultural expressions.
During the reign of Swargadeo Rudra Singha, Sattriya music and performance arts flourished extensively, laying a strong foundation for Assam’s classical traditions. Under Swargadeo Rajeshwar Singha, theatrical expression reached a historic milestone with the grand staging of the ‘Ravana Badh’ Bhaona, which involved nearly 700 performers, an unprecedented event in the state’s theatrical history.
Sarma further explained that modern Assamese theatre gained momentum in the late nineteenth century, with landmark productions such as William Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’ staged in 1883, followed by ‘Bhramaranga’ in 1890, both performed in Sivasagar. These productions marked the beginning of a new phase, blending global influences with local cultural sensibilities.
In the twentieth century, theatre productions like ‘Sonit Kuwori’ and ‘Chakradhwaj Singha’ infused the stage with strong nationalist and cultural consciousness, reflecting Assam’s evolving social and political identity. The Chief Minister also highlighted Sivasagar’s leadership in technical innovation, citing the introduction of a revolving stage in 1957 as a rare and remarkable achievement for its time.
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Recalling the contributions of numerous playwrights, theatre personalities, and cultural institutions, Sarma said their dedication ensured the survival and growth of Assamese theatre across generations. Emphasising the larger role of theatre, he said the stage is not merely a source of entertainment but a powerful medium that enlightens society, nurtures creativity, and promotes intellectual development.
Expressing optimism about the future, the Chief Minister stated that the reopening of the renovated Sivasagar Natya Mandir would herald a new era for theatre in Assam, ensuring that the cultural legacy of Rangpur continues to inspire artists and audiences for generations to come.
