Bhotima

{{Short description|Devotional hymn genre in Assamese Vaishnavism}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2026}}

{{Infobox music genre | name = Bhotima | bgcolor = | stylistic_origins = Devotional song | cultural_origins = Early 1500s – late 1700s Assam, Neo-Vaishnavism | instruments = Khol, Taal | regional_scenes = Assam, India | local_scenes = Sattra, Namghar | other_topics = Borgeet, Bhaona, Ankia Naat | image = File:Sankaradeva.jpg | caption = An imaginary portrait of Srimanta Sankardeva, the creator of Bhotima. }}

'''Bhotima''' or '''Bhatima''' ({{langx|as|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).<ref name="neog">{{cite book |last=Neog |first=Maheswar |title=Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Assam |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |year=1980 |pages=120–135}}</ref><ref name="barua">{{cite book |last=Barua |first=Birinchi Kumar |title=History of Assamese Literature |publisher=Sahitya Akademi |year=2008 |pages=85–95}}</ref> Bhotima means praise or eulogy.<ref name="bhuyan">{{cite book |last=Bhuyan |first=Suryya Kumar |title=Studies in the Literature of Assam |publisher=Lawyers Book Stall |year=1965 |pages=140–150}}</ref> Bhotimas are devotional compositions traditionally performed by singers known as ''Bhats''.<ref name="saikia">{{cite book |last=Saikia |first=Nagen |title=Assamese Literature |publisher=National Book Trust |year=2011 |pages=60–70}}</ref> 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.<ref name="saikia"/>

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.<ref name="barua"/>

The Bhotima were composed in the Brajavali language, a literary dialect widely used in the Neo-Vaishnavite tradition of Assam.<ref name="saikia"/>

== Etymology == The term ''Bhotima'' is believed to derive from Sanskrit roots associated with praise or glorification, reflecting its function as a hymn of exaltation.<ref name="bhuyan"/> In ancient India, there existed a class of traditional singers known as ''Bhats'' or ''Bhatts'', who performed songs of praise called Bhotima.<ref name="bhuyan"/> 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''.<ref name="barua"/>

Similarly, ''Guru Bhotima'' comprises the devotional compositions of Madhavdeva, which extol the virtues and spiritual greatness of his guru Sankardeva.<ref name="barua"/>

== Historical background == 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.<ref name="neog"/><ref name="sarcar">{{cite book |last=Sarcar |first=Maheswar |title=Srimanta Sankardeva and His Times |publisher=Gauhati University |year=1996 |pages=210–220}}</ref> Sankardeva composed numerous devotional works, including ''Borgeet'', ''Ankiya Naat'', and hymns such as Bhotima to disseminate spiritual teachings among the masses.<ref name="barua"/>

His chief disciple, Madhavdeva, further enriched this tradition by composing additional devotional literature, including Bhotimas that reflect deep philosophical and emotional devotion.<ref name="saikia"/> These compositions were integral to the religious practices established in Namghars (community prayer halls) and Satra institutions across Assam.<ref name="asgov">{{cite web |title=Vaishnavite culture of Assam |url=https://assam.gov.in |publisher=Government of Assam |access-date=27 March 2026}}</ref><ref name="satra">{{cite web |title=Satras of Assam and their cultural importance |url=https://sattriya.nritya.gov.in |publisher=Sangeet Natak Akademi |access-date=27 March 2026}}</ref>

== Literary characteristics == Bhotimas are marked by their lyrical and rhetorical style, often employing ornate language and poetic devices to convey devotion.<ref name="bhuyan"/> Unlike the more structured and musical ''Borgeet'', Bhotimas are typically recited or chanted rather than sung in strict classical ragas.<ref name="saikia"/>

Common themes include: * Praise of Krishna and his divine attributes<ref name="neog"/> * Reverence to the guru, particularly Sankardeva and Madhavdeva<ref name="sarcar"/> * Devotion to sacred scriptures such as the ''Bhagavata Purana''<ref name="barua"/> * Moral and spiritual instruction<ref name="bhuyan"/>

The compositions are usually written in early Assamese with influences from Brajavali, a literary dialect used by Sankardeva.<ref name="neog"/>

== Religious practice == Bhotimas occupy a significant place in the ritual and cultural life of Assamese Vaishnavism.<ref name="asgov"/> They are performed during religious congregations in Namghars and Satras, especially during festivals and ceremonial occasions.<ref name="satra"/>

In many Satras, Bhotimas are recited as part of daily prayers and during special observances such as Janmashtami and Raas Mahotsav.<ref name="toi">{{cite news |title=Neo-Vaishnavism and its cultural legacy in Assam |work=The Times of India |date=15 August 2020 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com |access-date=27 March 2026}}</ref><ref name="telegraph">{{cite news |title=Sankardeva’s legacy in Assam’s cultural fabric |work=The Telegraph |date=10 October 2019 |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com |access-date=27 March 2026}}</ref> Their recitation serves both as an act of devotion and as a means of preserving the teachings of the Vaishnavite saints.<ref name="saikia"/>

Scholars regard Bhotimas as an important component of the broader corpus of Assamese devotional literature, complementing other forms like Borgeet and Ankiya Naat.<ref name="bhuyan"/>

== References == {{Reflist}}

Category:Assamese literature Category:Culture of Assam Category:Music of Assam