An Assamese writer, poet, freedom fighter and politician, Nilmoni Phukan is a well-known figure in the Assamese literature society. Also known as Bagmibor in the Assamese literature, Phukan was the president of Asam Sahitya Sabha for two times, in 1944 and 1947 respectively. Phukan shares his name with another Assamese poet, Nilmani Phukan, and is often referred as Nilmoni Phukan (Senior).
Phukan was born on June 22, 1880 in Dibrugarh district of Assam. His father's name was Lombodhar Phukan. After completing his higher education from George's Institution, Dibrugarh and Cotton College, Guwahati, Phukan completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1907 from Victoria College at Cooch Bihar. After graduating, he pursued law, however, his could not complete his course.
A few of the notable literary works of Phukan are Jyotikona (জ্যোতিকণা) (1938), Sahiityakola (সাহিত্যকলা) (1940), Joya Tirtho (জয়াতীৰ্থ) (1941), Manashi (মানসী) (1943), Gutimali (গুটিমালী) (1950), Mahapurusiya Dharma, Omitra (মহাপুৰুষীয়া ধৰ্ম, অমিত্ৰা) (1952), Xondhani (সন্ধানী) (1953), Mormobani (মৰ্মবাণী) (1963), Aahuti (আহুতি), Torun Asom (তৰুণ অসম), Mora Dalot Kuhipaat (মৰা ডালত কুঁহিপাত), and so on.
Apart from contributing to the Assamese literarture, Phukan worked as an editor at an Assamese daily, Dainik Batori.
Phukan was awarded the Sahitya Akademi award of 1981 for his poetry collection Kobita. A commemorative postage stamp was also created in the name of Bagmibar Nilamoni Phukan. He passed away at the age of 97, on 20 January, 1978.