Dandi Kalita

Dandi Kalita (1890-1950) through his satirical poems created a dramatic effect through an imaginative treatment. His poems like Rah-ghora (1916), Ragar (1922) and Bahurupi (1926) are satirical in nature. These poems reveal an intense patriotism and irony. These poems reveal the hidden energy of intention and the dual qualities of things articulated. Kalita does not reach a positive solution or offer a perfect conclusion. This is evident in his poem Bahurupi where the poet displays only facts.

His satires are sharp-edged which is evident in the poem Medhi tirthalai jai. This is a poem noted for delicate touches of humour and inconceivable foolery. Mota ne tiruta is a brilliant piece of scorn. His poems Abhijat sakalar prati and Anunnata are serious. Anunnata is truly Gandhian in spirit. His poems on women and his poem of mystic thought Viswa Sangeet is inspiring. Self-realisation comes with self-reliance: this was Kalita`s social philosophy.

He had also tired his hand in novel writing. Kalita`s Abishkar (1950) is a social novel. His other novels include Parichay (1950) and Gana-viplav (1951). Gana viplav is a historical novel that was set in the context of the Moa Maria revolution against Ahom oligarchy. It however has a poor narrative. His art is a treatise. His characters are either good or bad and in between these two broad divisions, there is no room for a midway.

Kalita`s historical work Phul shows his immaturity. Sadhana depicts two parallel sets of characters. This story is considered as a much developed work. In characterisation and conflict of impulses Sadhana attains considerable success. However the work is not without technical blemish. Sadhana (1938) is a departure from the historical trend pioneered by Gohain-Barua and Bardoloi. It led the way in the field of social novel.

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