ASSAMESE TRAVEL LITERATURE TREND, CLASSIFICATION AND CHARACTERISTIC

Travel literature is one of the latest genres of literature which has been written only after travelling by human. Basically, the humans’ history is traveler’s history and it is related to the primitive needs like food, cloth and residence. In the modern world, the purpose of travel has explored the diverse cultures and creates a sense of understanding. Besides all this, people like to travel as per their current requirements in the 21st century. It is mentionable that the governance of Assam has handed over to British in 1826 and a new law and order has formed. Assamese society is changed in all fields i.e. political, economic, social, educational and cultural etc. Due to all these, the people of Assam showed their interest in many fields and necessarily made some internal and external journey. As the result of this, the Assamese travel writings have gradually increased. Assamese travel literature is the next form of that tradition which have a unique identity and characteristics. As time passes through, the tendencies of primitive travel has converted into practical travel and the Assamese people have gathered some experiences which are the main sources of writings. Mentionable that these writings can be perfect travel literature only after merged with literary virtue. It is true even in the context of Assamese travel literature too and the prosperity and development of this genre is proved today. But a deep study of this genre has not done yet and that’s why the necessity of the study encourages for this research paper where the pre and post-Independence Assamese travel literature will be analytically discussed as Assamese Travel literature-trend, classification and characteristic.


INTRODUCTION
Travel literature is one of the latest genres of literature which has written only after travelling by human.Basically the humans' history is traveler's history and it is related with the primitive needs like food, cloth and residence.In modern world, the purpose of travel has explored the diverse culture and creates a sense of understanding.Besides all these, people like to travel as per their current requirements in the 21 st century.It is mentionable that the governance of Assam has handed over to British in 1826 and a new law and order has formed.Assamese society is changed in all fields i.e. political, economic, social, educational and cultural etc. Due to all these, the people of Assam showed their interest in many fields and necessarily made some internal and external journey.As the result of this, the Assamese travel writings have gradually increased.Assamese travel literature is the next form of that tradition which have a unique identity and characteristics.As time passes through, the tendencies of primitive travel has converted into practical travel and the Assamese people have gathered some experiences which are the main sources of writings.Mentionable that these writings can be perfect travel literature only after merged with literary virtue.It is true even in the context of Assamese travel literature too and the prosperity and development of this genre is proved today.But a deep study of this genre has not done yet and that's why the necessity of the study encourages for this research paper where the pre and post-Independence Assamese travel literature will be analytically discussed as Assamese Travel literature-trend, classification and characteristic.

AIM & OBJECTIVE
The main aim and objective of this research paper is to establish the trend and characteristics of Assamese travel literature so that Assamese people will be inspired for travelling.

RESEARCH AREA
The trend and history of World travel literature to Assamese travel literature with special reference to pre-and post-independence period of Assam.

METHODOLOGY
The proposed research work will be completed based on introductory method.However, historical method will also be adopted when needed.

SOURCE OF THE STUDY
Information will be gathered from two sources-1.Primary and 2. Secondary.Selected books of selected writers will be brought to analysis as a primary source; essays, books, critical writings by other writers, journals, magazines, websites, reference books, e books etc. will be used as secondary source of information.

HYPOTHESIS OF STUDY
Some hypotheses have been ascertained for the proposed research work.These are-1) Assamese travel literature is unique and separate so far as the writer is concerned.
2) The art of Assamese travel literature is determined by the style of travel writer.3) Assamese travel literature reflects the likes and dislikes of writer's uniqueness.4) Assamese travel literature depends on external experiences and mentality of the traveler.5) The research will show the opportunity of increasing the tourism income by the increasing of readers.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Travel literature is the latest trend in Assamese literature.The History of Assamese literature has approved of this fact.Discussions on the Assamese travel literature have been made from time to time in the books of history of the Assamese literature.In this context references found for discussions are as follows- In the essay 'Swadhinotakalor Sahitya' of his book asomiya sahityar samikshatmak itibritta1989), Satyandra Nath Sharma has opined that literatures created for the convenience of travelling during the independence of India are readable like novels.Sarma et al. (1989) Moreover, he agrees that information of historical places can be found through the experiences from the visit to the holy places.
In the introduction to her book titled Adhunik Aaomiya Bhraman Sahitya: Oititjya Aru Silpa, Smritirekha Bhuyan has discussed the features of Assamese travel literature; further, she is of the opinion that in travel stories, there can be discussions on the topic of research on academic subjects like geography, history, science and the happenings of day-to-day life.Bhuyan (2020) In the chapter titled Bharat Barsar Bibhinna Pradeshik Bhasar Bhraman Sahitya of the thesis Swarajottor Kalor Asomiya Bhraman Sahitya, Anima Neog has expressed that travelling has become easier than ever thanks to science and technology; this has given the Indian and Assamese travel literature a new height.Neog (2016).Chitrajit Saikia, in the editorial of his edited book Aomiya Bhraman Sahitya Samiksha, has agreed to the task of classification of Assamese travel literature into Internal and External travel literature based on the expanse of subject matter.Saikia (2018) In his article Swarajottor Kalor Asomiya Bhraman Sahitya, Chitrajit Saikia has defined the literatures created out of the experiences gathered by travelling in one's own country as internal Assamese Travel literature; he has also suggested to bring the travel literature written on the experiences of travelling to the northeast region of India.Borah (2021) Gobinda Prasad Sharma, in his essay Bbhraman kahineer Swarup aru Prokarbhed 'Swarnalipi' March 2011, edited by Hridayananda Gagoi in the context of explaining all types of travel literature, has brought the relevancy of other types of literature of the same genre.In this aspect he has approved the traveler's art of the depiction of travel experiences with personal imagination and fantasy.Sarma (2011) 8. DISCUSSION

WORLD TRAVEL LITERATURE TO ASSAMESE TRAVEL LITERATURE
Travel literature is one of the genres of literature that makes the literature itself versatile and diverse; it has been found as grand literary genre with its unique style.Especially, it is observed that this literary genre has immense importance in literary type's viz., stories, poetry, novels, dramas, satires, essays etc. as reflector of the travel spirit of human beings.It is so because it has the capability of preserving history.Nobody is unaware that history of mankind is the history of migration; and food, cloth and shelter were at the root of it.Time has changed, but human beings have not been able to free themselves from the tendency of travelling.No doubt, now a days travelling is a means of recreation, but at some point, of time it is regarded as fulfillment of basic needs as well.Life and livelihood is the basic cause of travelling by road, water and air.So, it can be said without any doubt that irrespective of any reason of travelling, be it for livelihood or any other, travel literature had its inception in the very act of travelling.Thompson (2011) Travel literature is associated with the ancient human habit of migration, yet all types of travelling of the migrators are not relevant to the travel literature.In this context, name of the Historian Herodotus (BC 490-480) is worth mentioning.Probably his travel note with enticing description of various towns was the first travel note in the world.Perrottet (2013) After him, mention may be made of the traveler of BC 138-116, Chang kien.His descriptions about inter-state business activity between China and Assam are very important.Fa-Hien was one such traveler in 399-414 AD.His descriptions have been regarded as the priceless resource for the study and research of Buddha age and ancient India.In Chi-yu-ki, a travelogue by Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang there can be found descriptions of the social, political, religious and cultural aspects of seventh century Assam.In Indica, written by Turkish traveler Alberuni of eleventh century there are descriptions of socio-political conditions of India.Ibn Battuta, a seventeenth century traveler to India, has given an account of socio-economic condition, intelligence agency system and communication system of his contemporary India.
Marco Polo was one of the remarkable travelers Daley (2014) relevant in travel literature.His books are a source of enthusiasm and inspiration for the neo-European travelers.Travel stories of Nicolo Conti (Niccolo Dei Conti) describe lifestyle of Indian people, discrimination among social classes, religious rituals and thoughts and sensibilities of Indian community.Sir Thomas Roe visited India during the reign of Queen Elizabeth.Descriptions of his experiences during his visit to India can be found in his Journal of Thomas Roe.In travel notes of Francois Bernier, who visited India during 1658-1668; socio-economic scenario has been vividly depicted.In the travel notes of two of his contemporary travelers namely La chapelo and Jean Baptiste Tavernia much information about India has been recorded.It is pertinent to mention that in the notes of Tavernia mention have been made of the Assam invasion by Mir Jumla.In Fathiya-E-Ibriyya by Shihabuddin Talis, a traveler to Assam during Ahom dynasty a beautiful account of Assam has been given.Captain Welsh, who came to Assam in 1792, has given accounts of Assam relating to politics, sociology, mentality, business and geographical conditions of Assam.Some British travelers who visited Assam are worth mentioning regarding information about various aspects of Assam: Communication, hospitals, conditions of villages and towns, politics, land rule, education, population, judiciary, Natural scenes, economic and social conditions etc. Russian Travel literature had its inception in 15th and 16th century.Mercent Afanasy Nicotine's The Journey beyond three Sea Johnson (1775) (1466-1472) is an important book of this genre.A Major part of the descriptions of this book is based on the experiences of the traveler on Indian politics, business, agriculture system, traditions and festivals observed in India.
Assamese Travel literature had its inception in the 3rd decade of 19th century.It can be said that Assamese Travel literature flourished after the independence of India due to development of communication, education, business, employment and political conditions.Since the publication of Harkanta Goswami's Tirtha Kahini (1927) Neog ( 2016) , many travel literature have been written till date.Based on the variety of subject matter Assamese Travel literature had been divided into various sections, viz., 1. Internal and 2. External Assamese Travel literature.An attempt has also been made to classify the Assamese Travel literature based on continental viewpoint, viz 1. Asian 2. African, 3. European 4. American, 5. Northeastern sites and general Travel literature have been observed to be discussed under inland travel literature.Irrespective of different attempts to classify Travel literature, the main focus of such literature is on the experiences of travelers during travelling.The proposed research work undertaken by me will go ahead bringing forth all internal Assamese travel literature under one umbrella.Of course, remarkable Travel literature of the century will be brought forward for analysis when needed.

ASSAMESE TRAVEL LITERATURE EARLY TO PRESENT
Travel literature is the consequence of travelling and it has its own history.People visit different places with different purposes and out of such visit travel literature is created.Study of world travel literature has provided us such information.It is pertinent to mention that travel writings with features of literary qualities are regarded as travel literature.Travel literatures from the fifth decade unto recent times are eligible for discussion and in this research paper the informative study of Assamese travel literatures have been given from the beginning up to twenty first century.This research study will find out all the Assamese travel literatures which can be covered under two classifications i.

POST INDEPENDENCE ASSAMESE TRAVEL LITERATURE
The history of Assamese travel literature mainly is the history of post-Independence travel tendency.Some objectives Reddy (2022) for travel are likebusiness, job, holiday refreshment, pilgrimage, treatment, abroad residential and others e.g.diplomatic, journalism, promotional, mountaineering, research, meet friends, SAARC meet, play and entertainment etc.Thus, on the basis of the time and environment of travel, the Assamese travel literature can be discussed within so many classifications followed by two i.e. internal and external Assamese travel literatures.

INTERNAL ASSAMESE TRAVEL LITERATURE-1) Pilgrimage Assamese Travel literature
Post Independence Assamese travel literatures is a large group of two trends of travel writings by a large traveler which can called Internal and External travel literature.Internal Assamese travel literatures have been written by practical experiences of the Assamese author.In this reference, the first line travel literature is Pilgrimage Assamese travel literature e.g.Tirtha Kahini (1927) Desaloi (1996)by Girish Nath etc.These travel literatures reflect not only the spiritual status of righteous people but also reflect the social, political, cultural, communication and other environmental state of the concern.
Ranga Dregonar Desat( 2019) by Tapan Kumar Sarma etc.These literatures make Assamese travel literature diverse by its nature.

5) Japan centric Assamese travel literature
Japan centric Assamese travel literature also makes Assamese travel literature large and literary rich.Some not forgettable such travel literatures are Surjya Utha Desh(1969) Sagarrani Lisbon (1996) by Mahendra Nath Borah etc.After the study and analysis, the trend of travel literature, one statement has come out that the travel writing always has begun after completing the travel or tour and it makes fruitful by author's creativity and its uniqueness.

SOME COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF ASSAMESE TRAVEL LITERATURE
Today, Assamese travel literatures are written knowing or unknowingly by someone and publish it in many papers or magazines.So, including all these some basic characteristics can be extracted through this study.The remarkable common characteristics are as mentioned below-Firstly, Main source of mentioned travel literatures are the real experiences of the tour which represent socio-cultural, political, educational, historical, geographical and environmental aspects of any location or site.
Secondly, Assamese travel literature is a prefixed literary come out of one or more places travelled or visited.
Thirdly, as Gobinda Prasad Sarma said Assamese travel literature is limited by the nature of time and site. 18 Fourthly, Assamese travel literature is purely a literary interpretation and cognition of a specific tour or wander.
Fifthly, author's physiological impression has an unforgettable role for state determination of Assamese travel literature.It is an aesthetic combination of author's inner-outer thought and vision.
Sixthly, Assamese travel literature is a real pictorial form through which a reader can imagine the origin view of the site or location without going physically.
Seventhly, Assamese travel literatures are preferably written in first person of past experience by the traveler own self.
Eighthly, Assamese travel literatures are enriched with some special national and international data, fact or information which makes it perfect travel book for coming generation.
Ninthly, using of regional words, Assamese travel literature has got more acceptances among readers.
Tenthly, using of symbol, illustration and analogical words make the language of Assamese travel literature clear and impressive.
Eleventh, Influence of foreign words like English, Arabian, Chinese, African and others make diverse the language of Assamese travel literature.

CONCLUSION
Above mentioned study and analysis literarily exposes that Assamese travel literature is data centric, literary and artistic expression where social, cultural, political, educational, economical, intellectual and others all concern are reflected.Any travel writing has begun after visiting any site or location which is always time bounded.It is worth mentioning that writer's empirical description makes it pleasant to read.So, hopefully travel writing will gradually enrich the Assamese travel literature in future and it will increase the travel tendency among Assamese people which will reflect in tourism income of the country or world.After all some findings can be pointed as below-1) Assamese travel literature is enhanced by the characteristics of world travel literature, and it can be the key work for world tourism income.2) Assamese travel literature has its own heritage and tradition.
3) Assamese travel literature has some unique characteristics.
e. Pre Independence-Assamese travel literature and Post independence Assamese travel literature.Post independence Assamese travel literature can be referred by two classes as Internal Assamese travel literature and External Assamese travel literature.Internal Assamese travel literature can be discussed as Pilgrimage travel literature, Hajj Pilgrimage travel literature, Mountaineering travel literature, Northeastern travel literature, General travel literature etc. External Assamese travel literature can be discussed as Asiatic Assamese travel literature, European Assamese travel literature, American Assamese travel literature, African Assamese travel literature, Australian Assamese travel literature and Antarctica Assamese travel literature etc.
Twain (1869of Assam by John Peter Wed, Journey from upper Assam towards Hong Kong, Ava and Rangoon, Journal of Travel in Assam, Burma, Bootan and Afghanistan by William Griffith, A Sketch of Assam, Travels and Adventures in the Province of Assam by Major John Butler, Report on the Province of Assam by A. J. Moffat Mills and Report on the Eastern Frontier of British India by R. B. Pemberton are important works in this regard.English travel literature had its inception in 18th century.In A Journey to the Western Island of Scotland (1775) written by Samuel Johnson where natural, social and cultural aspects of Scotland are beautifully described. 11 V.S.Naipaul's A Turn in the South (1989), D. H. Lawrence's Twilight in Italy (1916), Sea and Sardina(1921), Mornings in Mexico (1927) and Ethruscan Places(1932), Robert Louis Stevenson's An Island Voyage (1878), Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes (1879) and The Ameteur Emigrant are descriptions of travelling to France, Belgium and America.Lawrence Stern's A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy (1768) are based on the experiences of travelling to France and Italy.American travel literature had begun with Mark Twain's The Innocents Abroad (1869).Twain (1869) His Tramp Abroad (1880)was written based on his travelling to Europe.Washington Irving in scripted his travelling experiences to Western America with beautiful descriptions in his books and enriched the stock of American literature.American novelist James Fenimore Cooper, in his travelogue The Pilot (1823-24) has depicted his experiences of voyages so lucidly that everyone can empathesize with the situation.The writer who enriched the French travel literature is Francois Rene Vicomate de Chateaubriand.He has enriched French travel literature with his books like Travel in America (1817), The Martyrs (1809), Itinerary from Paris a Jerusalem(1811).Two contemporary French travel writers of his time are Henry Marie Bayle and Andre Gide.

7) Hajj Pilgrimage Assamese Travel literature
Hojj yatra is one of the holy works by Assamese Muslim and after completion of such Yatra the righteous Muslim people wrote some Hajj pilgrimage Assamese travel literature.These are very much informative regarding Arab, Islam and its heritage and culture i.e.Pabitra Hajjar kahini (1962) by doctor Nurul Huda, Hojj Jatrir Dairy by Nabab Danish Muhammad, Maru Tirtha 79 (1981) by doctor M. Abid ali, Mur Hojj Jatra aru Tapaswini Rabia (1981) by Alahaz Jebunnicha, Pabitra Haojj aru Jiyarate E Madina (1988) by Alhaz Jehirul haque, Bali Beli aru jamjam by Syed Abdul Malik etc.The Hajj pilgrimage travel literatures also have a special contribution to External Assamese travel literature.