Bhotima
| Bhotima | |
|---|---|
 An imaginary portrait of Srimanta Sankardeva, the creator of Bhotima. | |
| Stylistic origins | Devotional song |
| Cultural origins | Early 1500s – late 1700s Assam, Neo-Vaishnavism |
| Typical instruments | Khol, Taal |
| Regional scenes | |
| Assam, India | |
| Local scenes | |
| Sattra, Namghar | |
| Other topics | |
| Borgeet, Bhaona, Ankia Naat |
Bhotima or Bhatima (Assamese: ভটিমা) is a genre of devotional hymn within the Ekasarana Dharma tradition of Assam, composed primarily by the Vaishnavite saints Srimanta Sankardeva (1449–1568) and his disciple Madhavdeva (1489–1596).[1][2] Bhotima means praise or eulogy.[3] Bhotimas are devotional compositions traditionally performed by singers known as Bhats.[4] Although they are sometimes rendered with a slight melodic intonation, they are not strictly lyrical in structure; hence, Bhotima is also referred to as Totoy and Chapay, denoting lighter or semi-recitative forms of composition.[4]
There are four principal types of Bhotima. Three of these were composed by Srimanta Sankardeva, namely Dev Bhotima, Nat Bhotima, and Raj Bhotima. His chief disciple Madhavdeva composed Guru Bhotima, which extols the virtues and spiritual greatness of his guru Sankardeva.[2]
The Bhotima were composed in the Brajavali language, a literary dialect widely used in the Neo-Vaishnavite tradition of Assam.[4]
Etymology
[edit]The term Bhotima is believed to derive from Sanskrit roots associated with praise or glorification, reflecting its function as a hymn of exaltation.[3] In ancient India, there existed a class of traditional singers known as Bhats or Bhatts, who performed songs of praise called Bhotima.[3] Within the Neo-Vaishnavite tradition of Assam established by Srimanta Sankardeva, different types of Bhotima evolved based on their thematic usage. The hymns praising the deity are known as Dev Bhotima, those used in Ankiya Naat performances are called Nat Bhotima, and compositions glorifying kings are referred to as Raj Bhotima.[2]
Similarly, Guru Bhotima comprises the devotional compositions of Madhavdeva, which extol the virtues and spiritual greatness of his guru Sankardeva.[2]
Historical background
[edit]The origin of Bhotima is closely linked with the Bhakti movement in Assam led by Srimanta Sankardeva, who propagated a monotheistic devotion to Lord Krishna through the Ekasarana Dharma faith.[1][5] Sankardeva composed numerous devotional works, including Borgeet, Ankiya Naat, and hymns such as Bhotima to disseminate spiritual teachings among the masses.[2]
His chief disciple, Madhavdeva, further enriched this tradition by composing additional devotional literature, including Bhotimas that reflect deep philosophical and emotional devotion.[4] These compositions were integral to the religious practices established in Namghars (community prayer halls) and Satra institutions across Assam.[6][7]
Literary characteristics
[edit]Bhotimas are marked by their lyrical and rhetorical style, often employing ornate language and poetic devices to convey devotion.[3] Unlike the more structured and musical Borgeet, Bhotimas are typically recited or chanted rather than sung in strict classical ragas.[4]
Common themes include:
- Praise of Krishna and his divine attributes[1]
- Reverence to the guru, particularly Sankardeva and Madhavdeva[5]
- Devotion to sacred scriptures such as the Bhagavata Purana[2]
- Moral and spiritual instruction[3]
The compositions are usually written in early Assamese with influences from Brajavali, a literary dialect used by Sankardeva.[1]
Religious practice
[edit]Bhotimas occupy a significant place in the ritual and cultural life of Assamese Vaishnavism.[6] They are performed during religious congregations in Namghars and Satras, especially during festivals and ceremonial occasions.[7]
In many Satras, Bhotimas are recited as part of daily prayers and during special observances such as Janmashtami and Raas Mahotsav.[8][9] Their recitation serves both as an act of devotion and as a means of preserving the teachings of the Vaishnavite saints.[4]
Scholars regard Bhotimas as an important component of the broader corpus of Assamese devotional literature, complementing other forms like Borgeet and Ankiya Naat.[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Neog, Maheswar (1980). Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Assam. Motilal Banarsidass. pp. 120–135.
- ^ a b c d e f Barua, Birinchi Kumar (2008). History of Assamese Literature. Sahitya Akademi. pp. 85–95.
- ^ a b c d e f Bhuyan, Suryya Kumar (1965). Studies in the Literature of Assam. Lawyers Book Stall. pp. 140–150.
- ^ a b c d e f Saikia, Nagen (2011). Assamese Literature. National Book Trust. pp. 60–70.
- ^ a b Sarcar, Maheswar (1996). Srimanta Sankardeva and His Times. Gauhati University. pp. 210–220.
- ^ a b "Vaishnavite culture of Assam". Government of Assam. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ^ a b "Satras of Assam and their cultural importance". Sangeet Natak Akademi. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ^ "Neo-Vaishnavism and its cultural legacy in Assam". The Times of India. 15 August 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ^ "Sankardeva's legacy in Assam's cultural fabric". The Telegraph. 10 October 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2026.