Early Assamese literature period can be split into: a) The Pre-Vaishnavite period and b) The Vaishnavite sub periods. The Pre-Vaishnavite period covers the period before the advent of
Sankardeva and the Vaishnavite period initiated by his literary activities. The earliest Assamese writer, viz.
Hema Saraswati and
Harivara Vipra who composed Prahlada Charitra and Babruvahana parva respectively wrote under the patronage of King Durlabhanarayana of
Kamata-mandala who ruled towards the end of the 13th or the earlier part of the 14th century. The next two important poets of the same period are
Rudra Kandali and Kaviratna Saraswati who composed Drona parva and Jayadratha vadha. But the towering poet of this period is
Madhava Kandali who is respectfully referred to by Sankardeva (b. 1449) as his predecessor. Madhava Kandali flourished towards the end of the 14th century and translated the entire
Ramayana under the patronage of
Mahamanikya, the then
Kachari king of Varāha lineage whose territory covered parts of
Central Assam. ==Writing system==