The Dhakapatty area in Nagaon town has been officially renamed ‘Rupkonwar Chowk’ from Tuesday, following directives from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, officials confirmed.

The renaming honours Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, a celebrated Assamese poet, playwright, songwriter, and freedom fighter, widely known as ‘Rupkonwar’ (prince of beauty). Agarwala is also recognised as the father of Assamese cinema, having created the state’s first two feature films. He passed away in 1951 at the age of 47.

The area’s original name, Dhakapatty, was derived from labourers brought from Dhaka, now the capital of Bangladesh, during the 19th century.