Patriotism in Arabic and Assamese Poetry: A Comparative Study of Themes and Expressions

Abstract

This research paper explores the theme of patriotism in Arabic and Assamese poetry, tracing its historical roots, literary development, and socio-political significance. In Arabic literature, patriotism evolved from tribal pride in the pre-Islamic era to a broader national consciousness shaped by Islam, colonial resistance, and pan-Arabism. From the verses of Maḥmûd Sâmî al-Bârûdî and Aḥmad Shawqî to the revolutionary poetry of Maḥmûd Darwish and Mufdî  Zakaria, patriotic poetry became a powerful vehicle for expressing love of homeland, resistance to oppression, and aspirations for unity and freedom. Assamese patriotic poetry, emerging in the nineteenth century under the influence of the Bengal Renaissance and Western education, evolved through publications such as Orunodoi and Jonaki, where poets like Lakshminath Bezbaroa and Ambikagiri Raychoudhury celebrated Assam’s cultural heritage, lamented colonial subjugation, and inspired nationalist fervour. This comparative study examines how both traditions articulate themes of love for homeland, glorification of heritage, resistance to foreign domination, and the call for social and political reform. It also investigates the stylistic and thematic variations between Arabic and Assamese patriotic poetry, considering the historical, cultural, and political contexts that shaped them. Through a cross-cultural lens, the paper demonstrates that despite geographical and linguistic differences, patriotic poetry in both traditions functions as a unifying force, preserving cultural identity and inspiring collective resilience.