Assamese literature has its roots in the medieval period, with the emergence of Bhaakti literature, which focused on devotional poetry and songs. The modern era of Assamese literature began in the 19th century, with the influence of British colonialism and the introduction of Western literary styles. The early 20th century saw the rise of Assamese fiction, with writers like Lakshminath Bezibarua and Rajendra Acharya making significant contributions to the genre.