Burhi Aair Sadhu
A foundational collection of Assamese folktales compiled by Lakshminath Bezbaruah.
Burhi Aair Sadhu (Assamese: বুঢ়ী আইৰ সাধু, lit. 'Grandmother's Tales') is a collection of folklore compiled by the Assamese author and poet Lakshminath Bezbaruah. First published in October–November 1911, it is one of the most popular texts in Assamese literature and has since entered the public domain under Indian copyright law.
- full_title
- Burhi Aair Sadhu (Grandmother's Tales)
- compiler
- Lakshminath Bezbaruah
- first_published
- October–November 1911
- language
- Assamese
- genre
- Folklore collection
- number_of_stories
- 30
- public_domain
- Yes (per Indian copyright law)
Lore & Background
The book contains 30 folktales, some of which were Bezbaruah's own compositions. The preface narrates the genesis, movement, and importance of folklore across different societies. Bezbaruah collected the stories from common native people of Assam, acknowledging 18 contributors in the preface—including Bhramarendra Saikia, Mahi Chandra Bora, and others—without specifying which tale each provided.
Reader's Guide
Burhi Aair Sadhu holds a central place in Assamese literature as one of its most popular and enduring texts. Its stories have been adapted for film, stage, and television, including the Assamese films Haladhar (1991) and Tula aru Teja (2012), and the 2015 project Kothanodi inspired by four tales. An English translation titled 'Old Mother's Wise Tales' by Nripen Dutta Baruah was published by LBS Publications. The collection's lasting appeal lies in its preservation of oral traditions and its influence on subsequent adaptations.
Did You Know?
- The book was first published in October–November 1911.
- It contains 30 folktales, some of which were written by Bezbaruah himself.
- The English translation is titled 'Old Mother's Wise Tales' by Nripen Dutta Baruah.
- Four stories—Tejimola, Champawati, Ou Kuwori, and Tawoir Xadhu—inspired the 2015 film Kothanodi.
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