Srimanta Sankardev

The Saint, Scholar, and Cultural Icon of Assam

Srimanta Sankardev (1449-1568) is a name that resonates deeply in the heart of Assam. He is revered not just as a religious reformer, but also as a cultural icon whose contributions have shaped the social, cultural, and religious fabric of Assam. His influence is so profound that his legacy continues to inspire and guide the people of Assam to this day.

Early Life and Spiritual Awakening

Born in 1449 in Alipukhuri, near Bordowa in present-day Nagaon district, Sankardev was destined for greatness. His early years were marked by a keen interest in spiritual matters, and by the age of 12, he had already demonstrated his intellectual prowess by composing his first verse. His family belonged to the Kayastha community, which was known for its scholarly pursuits. Sankardev received a comprehensive education, mastering Sanskrit scriptures, Indian philosophy, and classical literature.

His spiritual journey began in earnest after the death of his wife. Sankardev undertook a pilgrimage across India, visiting sacred sites and engaging with scholars and sages. This journey deepened his understanding of religion and spirituality, and upon his return to Assam, he dedicated himself to the task of reforming the spiritual landscape of the region.

The Neo-Vaishnavite Movement

Srimanta Sankardev is best known as the founder of the Neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam. This religious and cultural movement emphasized devotion to a single deity, Lord Krishna, as opposed to the polytheistic practices prevalent at the time. Sankardev's teachings were rooted in the Bhakti tradition, which advocated a direct, personal relationship with God, transcending the need for elaborate rituals and caste-based hierarchies.

Sankardev's teachings were revolutionary for their time. He preached the message of equality, compassion, and devotion, challenging the rigid social structures that divided society. His teachings resonated with the masses, leading to the widespread acceptance of Neo-Vaishnavism in Assam.

Contributions to Literature and Art

Srimanta Sankardev was not just a spiritual leader; he was also a prolific writer, playwright, and artist. His literary works include the Kirtan Ghosa and the Bhagavata, which are considered sacred texts in Assam. These works were written in the Assamese language, making religious teachings accessible to the common people. Sankardev's use of the vernacular language played a crucial role in the development of Assamese literature and in unifying the diverse linguistic communities of the region.

Sankardev was also a pioneer in the field of performing arts. He introduced the Ankia Naat, a form of one-act play that combined drama, music, and dance to convey religious and moral teachings. These plays were performed in open-air theatres called Namghars, which became the cultural and spiritual centers of Assamese villages. The Sattriya dance, one of the eight classical dance forms of India, also owes its origins to Srimanta Sankardev. This dance form, initially performed in the Sattras (monastic institutions), has now gained national and international recognition.

Establishment of Sattras and Namghars

One of Sankardev's most enduring contributions was the establishment of Sattras and Namghars. Sattras are monastic institutions that serve as centers for religious and cultural activities. They played a crucial role in the spread of Neo-Vaishnavism across Assam and in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the region. Namghars, on the other hand, are community prayer halls that serve as the focal point of village life. They are not just places of worship but also centers for social and cultural gatherings.

The Sattras continue to be a vital part of Assamese society, with over 900 Sattras spread across the state. They are custodians of the rich traditions and teachings of Srimanta Sankardev, and they play a key role in the preservation of Sattriya dance, music, and literature. Know More About Sattras Click Here

Legacy and Influence

The legacy of Srimanta Sankardev extends far beyond the borders of Assam. His teachings have influenced various aspects of Assamese culture, from literature and music to social values and religious practices. His emphasis on unity, compassion, and devotion continues to inspire generations.

Sankardev's contribution to the cultural identity of Assam is immeasurable. He laid the foundation for a distinct Assamese culture, which is characterized by a unique blend of religion, art, and social values. His teachings have fostered a sense of community and cultural pride among the people of Assam.

In recognition of his immense contributions, Srimanta Sankardev is often referred to as the "Father of Assamese Culture." His life and work continue to be celebrated in Assam, with numerous institutions, festivals, and cultural events dedicated to his memory. The Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati is one such institution, established to promote the cultural heritage of Assam and to honor the legacy of this great saint.

Conclusion

Srimanta Sankardev's impact on Assam is both profound and enduring. He was a spiritual leader, a social reformer, a literary genius, and a cultural icon. His teachings and contributions have shaped the very identity of Assam, making him one of the most revered figures in the state's history. For those visiting Assam, exploring the life and legacy of Srimanta Sankardev offers a unique insight into the cultural and spiritual heart of this vibrant region.

Often read Bordowa Satra

Assam History

Assam is the eastern most sentinel of India endowed with enchanting and picturesque natural beauty. The State is adorned with beautiful lush covers of greenery, a chain of hills and rivers mainly the Brahmaputra and the Barak. It has been the living place of various races, tribes and ethnic groups since time immemorial. The dynamics of synthesis and assimilation of the races make Assam glorified and rich.

There are several opinions to the origin of the name “Assam”. In the ancient Sanskrit literature both the names ‘Pragjyotisha’ and ‘Kamrupa’ were used as designation for ancient Assam. Its antiquity can be established from the fact that it has been mentioned in the two great epics- The Mahabharata and the Ramayana and also in the Puranas. Regarding the name ‘Prajyotisha’ or ‘Pragjyotishpura’, Gait (1992, reprint) writes that Prag means ‘former’ or ‘eastern’ and Jyotisha ‘a star’, astrology, shining. Pragjyotishpur may, therefore, be taken to mean the ‘City of Eastern Astrology’.

References of Kamarupa are found in literature as well as in many epigraphs. The mythology regarding the origin of the name Kamarupa tells us the story of Sati who died due to the discourtesy shown to her husband by her father Daksha. Overcame by grief, Shiva carried her dead body and wandered throughout the world. In order to put a stop to this, Vishnu used his discus to cut the body into pieces, which then fell into different places. One such piece fell down on Nilachal hills near Gauhati and the place was henceforth held sacred as Kamakhya. But Shiva’s penance did not stop, so the Gods sent Kamdev, the cupid to break his penance by making him fall in love. Kamdev succeeded in his mission, but Siva enraged at this result, burnt Kamdev to ashes. Kamdev eventually regained his original form here and from then onward the country came to be known as Kamarupa (Where Kama regained his Rupa or form).

The name ‘Aham’ or ‘Asom’ was probably given by the Ahoms who came to Assam in 1228 A.D. Even though the origin is ambiguous but it is believed that the modern name Assam is itself an anglicization.

The Ahom’s entered Assam fully assimilated and ruled Assam for nearly six hundred years. The period of Ahom rule is a glorious chapter in the history of Assam. The Ahom dynasty was established by Sukaphaa, a Shan prince of Mong Mao who came to Assam after crossing the Patkai Mountains. It is between 13th and 19th century that several tribal communities also came into the historical forefront of Assam. Kacharis, Chutias and Koch were the prominent tribal groups that were found in the medieval times of Assam. The rule of this dynasty ended with the Burmese invasion of Assam and the subsequent annexation by the British East India Company following the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826. The British emperor took charge of the state and thus begun the colonial era of Assam.

Assam lost much of its territory to new states that emerged from within its borders. The British annexed Cachar in 1832 and Jaintia Hills in 1835. In 1874, Assam became a separate province with Shillong as its capital. Sylhet was merged with East Bengal on partition of India. With the partition and independence of India in 1947, the district of Sylhet (excluding the Karimganj subdivision) was ceded to Pakistan (the eastern portion of which later became Bangladesh).

However, like all other states of India, Assam was also involved in various freedom movements. With the enthusiastic participation of many courageous activists Assam, Assam became a constituent state of India in 1950. It saw further reduction of its area when Dewangiri in North Kamrupa was ceded to Bhutan in 1951. The capital of Assam was formerly Shillong (now the capital of Meghalaya), and later shifted to Dispur, a suburb of Guwahati, in 1972. The States of Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram got their own separate states.

The history of Assam has passed several stages of development to reach to its present state. The history of Assam can be divided into four eras. The ancient era began in the 4th century with the mention of Kamarupa in Samudragupta's inscriptions on the Allahabad pillar and the establishment of the Kamarupa kingdom. The medieval era began with the attacks from the Bengal Sultanate, the first of which took place in 1206 by Bakhtiyar Khilji as mentioned in the Kanai-boroxiboa rock inscription, after the breakup of the ancient kingdom and the sprouting of medieval kingdoms and chieftain-ships in its place. The colonial era began with the establishment of British control after the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826, and the post-colonial era began in 1947 after the Independence of India.

The first Governor of independent Assam was Sir Muhammad Saleh Akbar Hydari and Chief Minister was Gopinath Bordoloi who witnessed the foundations laid of Gauhati University (1948), Gauhati High Court (1948) and Guwahati station of All India Radio (AIR). When Gopinath Bordoloi passed away in 1950, Bishnu Ram Medhi took over as the next Chief Minister of Assam. During his tenure from 1950 to 1957, the First Five-Year Plan was started, Panchayat system of governance was introduced and the agricultural sector got more importance.

Bimla Prasad Chaliha was the third chief minister from 1957 to 1970. In 1958th the 66th session of Congress was held at Jalukbari, Guwahati. The Saraighat Bridge was constructed over the Brahmaputra river (1965), an Oil refinery was established at Noonmati, Guwahati in 1962 during his time. In 1959-60 the famous language revolt took place in Assam, and as a result Assamese became the official language of the State and Bengali also enjoyed the same status in the Cachar District of Barak Valley.

Mohendra Mohan Choudhury assumed the mantle of chief minister in 1970. The foundation of Bongaigaon Petro-Chemicals, Paper Mill at Jogighopa and Jute factory at Silghat in Nagaon were laid in his tenure. In 1972 Sarat Chandra Sinha came to power after Congress secured absolute majority. In 1974 the capital was finally shifted to Dispur in Guwahati.

The Assam Movement (1979-1985) was a popular movement against illegal immigrants in Assam. The movement, led by All Assam Students Union (AASU) and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP), developed a program of protests and demonstration to compel the Indian government to identify and expel illegal, (mostly Bangladeshisi), immigrants and protect and provide constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to the indigenous Assamese people. The agitation programs were largely non-violent, but the Nellie massacre was a case of extreme violence. The agitation program ended in August 1985 following the Assam Accord, which was signed by leaders of AASU-AAGSP and the Government of India.

The Assam Accord (1985) was a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between representatives of the Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Movement in New Delhi on 15 August 1985. A six-year agitation demanding identification and deportation of illegal immigrants was launched by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) in 1979. It culminated with the signing of the Assam Accord.

Today Assam has an area of 78,438 square kilometers. It consists of thirty three districts and is credited to be the most populous state in the entire Northeast India.

Detail View About Assam on Assam State Portal

Data Reference fron Assam State Portal :- https://assam.gov.in/about-us/394