The Satirical Genius of Roxoraj Lakshminath Bezbarua | Social Commentary & Humour
Kripabar Borborua emerged as Lakshminath Bezbarua’s satirical alter ego in the pages of Jonaki magazine in 1890. The pseudonym itself—evolving from “Kripaabar Baruah” to “Kripabar Borborua”—reflects the strategic positioning of the persona as both insider and critic of Assamese society.
The name “Kripabar” suggests a figure deserving of mercy or compassion, while “Borborua” invokes the traditional title of high-ranking military officials in the Ahom kingdom. This combination allowed LNB to simultaneously critique from a position of authority while maintaining a self-deprecating, approachable humorous tone
The Kripabar Borborua persona was deliberately crafted to expose and reform the social system of 18th-19th Century Assam. Through witty observation and biting humor, LNB targeted social inertia, superstition, bureaucratic corruption, and political inefficiency—all while maintaining the guise of a bumbling, well-meaning observer. This strategic distance allowed for sharper criticism without direct personal confrontation.
Unlike direct polemical writing, satire operates through irony, exaggeration, and ridicule, making uncomfortable truths more palatable and memorable. LNB’s satirical works were characterized by sharp wit and humorous sentiment, using laughter as a vehicle for social awakening and positive change.
The Bundle of Kripabar Borua’s Papers
Collection of satirical essays targeting social inertia and bureaucratic inefficiency
Kripabar Borua’s Return
Satirical commentary on societal regression and political missteps
Including 2nd and 3rd Editions
Expanded satirical observations on Assamese social conditions
Borborua’s Sayings
Witty aphorisms and humorous social commentary
Borborua’s Thought Pebbles
Short satirical pieces addressing everyday absurdities
Across all these works, certain themes recur: the absurdity of rigid social hierarchies, the gap between traditional values and modern realities, the incompetence of colonial bureaucracy, and the resistance to progressive reforms. Kripabar Borborua’s voice remains consistent—simultaneously affectionate toward Assamese culture and ruthlessly critical of its shortcomings.
The enduring popularity and cultural impact of the Kripabar Borborua satires led to formal recognition by the Assamese literary establishment. In 1931, the Asam Sahitya Sabha conferred upon Lakshminath Bezbarua the unique honorific title Roxoraj—literally, “The King of Humour.”
This title was not merely a celebration of LNB’s wit, but an acknowledgment of the social function his satire performed. The “Roxoraj” designation validated satire as a legitimate and powerful literary form in Assamese literature, equal in importance to epic poetry, drama, or prose fiction.
Contemporary scholars recognize the Kripabar Borborua writings as essential primary sources for understanding late 19th and early 20th century Assamese society. The satirical observations provide invaluable insights into daily life, social anxieties, political tensions, and cultural transformations during a period of significant change.
Read complete transcriptions of Kripabar Borborua’s satirical writings in our Digital Archive, with contextual annotations and scholarly commentary.
Works of Lakshminath Bezbarua (1864-1938) are in the public domain under Indian copyright law.
