Mrityunjay ( - Immortal) is an Assamese language fiction book written by Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya in 1970. The book won the highest Indian literary award Jnanpith Award in 1979. It is the first Assamese language book to receive the award.
The book was translated to English, Hindi and Bengali languages.
Premise Set during the 1942's Quit India movement in Assam, the novel explores the reactions and moral dilemmas of the regional inhabitants as they changes their path from Gandhian non-violence to accept necessary armed rebellion and bloodshed against British colonial rule.
Reception Malaya Khaund writes for Indian Literature journal, "Mrityunjay is a reflection of the young Birendra Kumar's response to and association with India's historic freedom movement." Indian and Foreign Review wrote "well be de- scribed as an Epic of the stress".
Awards Jnanpith Award in 1979.
References
Further reading Mrityunjay(in Hindi} By Virendra Kumar Bhattacharya 1980 New Delhi Bharatiya Gyanpeeth Prakashan