Dark Age of Assamese Language 1836- 1876.

24th February, 1826 The Treaty of Yandabo ended the supreme power of Ahom's 600 year rule and Assam fell into the hands of British Administration. The British understood the potential of Assam's rich resources and hence it was made part of the Bengal Presidency. 1836 The British without any proper research and under the influence of 'Babus' of Kolkata made Bengali as the official language of Assam, giving reasons like 'administrative ease' and 'efficient governance' as reasons. And hence the 'Dark Age of Assamese language' started. Official works were carried out in Bengali. Bengali's were recruited to government services and they were controlling the administrations. Schools were made to teach in Bengali. Assamese works in literature died out. There were no publications and Assamese as a language was on the merge of extinction in their own land. People agitated and protested to bring back Assamese as the official language of Assam. Then came the 'Messiahs' : American Baptist Missionaries under the leadership of Dr. Nathan Brown released the first ever Assamese newspaper 'Orunudoi' in 1846. The newspaper started a new Renaissance in Assamese language where literary works were published. Of course the Missionaries had a 'greater goal' but it revived the lost glory of Assamese. The Greats of Modern Assamese Literature Anandaram Dhekial Phukan, Hemchandra Barua and Gunabhiram Barua published in the same paper, awakening the intelligentsia of Assam , making them aware how their own language needs Protection. They modernized and made further developments in the language with their regular publication, which covered numerous topics of utmost importance. Some of the great works like 'Axomiya Lorar Mitro', 'Axomiya Byakoron', 'Axom Bondhu', 'Hemkosh' etc were published and hence the British understood the importance of Assamese as the language of Assam. They understood Assamese is for Assam and it is their lifeline. 1872 The then Lieutenant Governor declared Assamese as the language of education and administration and hence the 36 years of 'Dark Age of Assamese Language ' came to an end. My reason to write such post to make aware all the redditors the sacrifices and dedication our ancestors have given to protect the language they love and speak. Their Blood, Swear and Tears made sure we still speak our mother tongue in our own land. This not only applies to Assamese but all the Languages that are spoken in Northeast India. Protect them and speak your Language with Pride!