By Anandachandra Agarwala
Exquisitely beautiful our village is Full of beautiful trees, The branches abound in fruits and flowers, So many we find falling down, Beautiful are our paddy fields Over laden with paddy Beautiful is the brimming river ghat The merchants go trading. On the roofs ash gourd, bottle gourd, ridge gourd and sponge gourd Aromatic rice in the granaries Cows in cowsheds, fishes in ponds Betel nut and leaves in the garden croft. On the branches of trees the pretty birds Pour out mellifluous melodies, Leafy vegetables in kitchen gardens, flowers in the garden, Gratifies the heart when behold. In every household funfair and merry making In every household smiling faces. In every household ample love and affection In every household we behold happiness. Fond of bhaona, religious functions and songs, Enchanting tunes on flute, One person performs the task of ten persons— Such is the uncomplicated heart of the rural folk.
Translated by Uttam Duorah
Anandachandra Agarwala (b.1874-d.1940) was a poet, historian and translator of Assam
Uttam Duorah, the translator, retired as the HoD, English, Women’s College, Tinsukia and is based in Tinsukia, Assam.