The oldest literary-cultural organisation of Assam, the Asom Sahitya Sabha was established in Kamrup district in 1917. It was constituted mainly for the development of Assamese culture, language and literature.

Padmanath Gohain Barua acted as the first president of the Sabha and presided over the Sibsagar edition of its first session in 1917 whereas Sarat Chandra Goswami became the first secretary of the organisation. The evolution of the organisation can be traced back to two earlier Kolkata-based bodies – ‘Asamiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha’ and ‘Assamese Literary Society’ which had been established by a few Assamese students.

The Sabha, from its very inception, was greatly concerned with the long standing question of the linguistic and cultural identity of the people of Brahmaputra and Barak Valley. It fashioned a new era for the development of literature in Assam. Furthermore, the Sabha influenced the people of Assam to follow a nationalistic direction. It infused in their minds the spirit of nationalism and contributed greatly to the growth of a deep sense of patriotism. Members of the Sabha who were closely associated with the national political activities utilised the platform of the Sabha for political discussion. It functioned as a springboard for those who later joined the freedom movement.

Thus, the sabha shaped a new socio-political consciousness and roused the dormant political spirit of the people.