This article aims to delve into the life, contributions, and lasting impact of Srimanta Sankardev, shedding light on his multifaceted personality. We will also put light on how he has shaped our modern Assam
Introduction
In the annals of Indian history, few personalities have left a legacy as profound and enduring as Srimanta Sankardev of Assam. Born in 1449 CE in the village of Alipukhuri, near Bordowa, in the Nagaon region of Assam, Sankardev was a saint-scholar, poet, playwright, dancer, actor, musician, artist, social-religious reformer, and significant figure in the cultural and religious history of Assam, India. His multifaceted genius and contributions have earned him a revered position not only in Assam but also across the Indian subcontinent.
Early Life and Family Background of Sankardev:
Srimanta Sankardev, originally known as Sankara, was born to Kusumvar Bhuyan and Satyasandhya Devi, according to historical accounts. In his early twenties, he married his first wife, Suryavati, and after about three years of marriage, they were blessed with a daughter named Manu. However, tragedy struck when Suryavati passed away just nine months after giving birth to their daughter. Later, Sankardev remarried a woman named Kalindi.
His father, Kusumvar Bhuyan, held the esteemed position of Shiromani, serving as the head of the Baro-Bhuyans clans, who were independent landlords in the region. This influential position of his father played a significant role in the family's social standing in Assam.
Little did the world know that this child would grow up to become one of the most influential cultural figures in the history of Assam and beyond.
His early years were marked by his remarkable intelligence and spiritual inclination. He received his initial education from his father, who played a pivotal role in shaping his intellectual foundation. By the age of 10, Sankardev had already exhibited exceptional talent in reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Literary and Artistic Contributions:
Sankardev's literary brilliance knew no bounds, and he is considered one of the greatest poets and playwrights in Assamese history.He composed numerous devotional songs, known as Borgeets, which remain an essential part of Assamese cultural performances to this day.
.jpg "Sankardev's literary brilliance knew no bounds, and he is considered one of the greatest poets and playwrights in Assamese history.")
Key Contribution:
Ekasarana Dharma: Founded the Bhagavatic religious movement, also known as the Neo-Vaishnavite movement, emphasizing devotion (bhakti) to Lord Krishna.
Literary Masterpieces: Created the 'Kirtan Ghosa' and 'Gunamala,' and composed holy songs known as 'Borgeet,' reflecting his deep spiritual insights and poetic brilliance.
Ankia Naats: Pioneered the art of tale-telling through drama with 'Ankia Naats,' one-act plays illustrating the lives of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama.
Sattriya Dance: Established Sattriya Dance, a classical dance form, originally performed in the Sattras, conveying spiritual messages through emotive storytelling and footwork.
Social Reforms: Promoted social harmony and inclusivity, uniting various communities under the Ekasarana Dharma movement.
Sankardev's literary contributions were not confined to a single language. He wrote extensively in Sanskrit, Assamese, and Brajavali, showcasing his linguistic prowess and versatility. His literary works were not only a medium of artistic expression but also a powerful tool for promoting his philosophical and religious ideas.
These Borgeets encompassed a wide range of themes, from spirituality and love to social harmony and unity. His eloquent compositions continue to resonate with the hearts of people across the region.
Sankardev wrote several plays, known as Ankia Naats or Bhaona, which are a unique form of one-act plays performed in religious festivals.
These plays are an amalgamation of dance, music, and drama, designed to communicate profound spiritual messages to the masses.
The themes of these plays often revolved around the life of Lord Krishna and were instrumental in promoting the Bhakti movement in Assam.
Glimpse of Sankadevs Literary Works:
At the age of 12, Srimanta Sankardev enrolled in Mahendra Kandali's tol or chatrasaal (school). It was during this time that he composed his first verses, known as "karatala-kamala" given below. Surprisingly, he wrote the entire poem before even learning the vowels, except for the first one. This remarkable feat is often cited as an early manifestation of his poetic genius. This is the 1st work of Sankardev.
কৰতল কমল কমল দল নয়ন।
à¦à¦¬ দব দহন গহন-বন শয়ন ॥
নপৰ নপৰ পৰ সতৰত গময়।
সà¦à¦¯় মà¦à¦¯় à¦à¦¯় মমহৰ সততয়॥
খৰতৰ বৰ শৰ হত দশ বদন।
খগচৰ নগধৰ ফনধৰ শয়ন॥
জগদঘ মপহৰ à¦à§± à¦à¦¯় তৰণ।
পৰ পদ লয় কৰ কমলজ নয়ন ll
Religious Reforms and the Neo-Vaishnavite Movement
One of Sankardev's most significant contributions was his role as a religious reformer. He was deeply critical of the prevailing social and religious practices of his time, which often perpetuated divisions among people based on caste and class. Seeking to bring about social harmony and unity, Sankardev propagated the worship of a formless, supreme God, transcending caste barriers and promoting a sense of spiritual equality among all.
Ekasarana Dharma of Srimanta Sankardev:-
He founded the Bhagavatic religious movement known as Ekasarana Dharma, which later became synonymous with the Neo-Vaishnavite movement. Ekasarana Dharma emphasized devotion (bhakti) to Lord Krishna, urging people to engage in congregational singing (kirtan) and listening (sravan) of Krishna's name and deeds. This devotional approach stood in contrast to the rigid ritualism of the Vedic practices prevalent during that era.
Sankardev's teachings attracted a vast following, and his message of love, compassion, and devotion resonated deeply with people from all walks of life. The Ekasarana Dharma movement became a unifying force in Assam, transcending social and cultural boundaries, and leaving an indelible mark on the religious fabric of the region.
Influence on Medieval Kingdoms and Establishment of Sattras
Sankardev's teachings and Ekasarana Dharma also found resonance in the medieval kingdoms of Koch and Ahom in Assam. The rulers of these kingdoms, impressed by his teachings, extended their patronage to the Neo-Vaishnavite movement. As a result, the assembly of devotees that Sankardev founded evolved over time into monastic centers known as Sattras.
Sattras became the focal points of religious, spiritual, and cultural life in Assam. These monastic institutions played a vital role in preserving and propagating Sankardev's teachings and cultural heritage. They became centers of learning, art, and literature, attracting scholars and artists from across the region. Even today, Sattras remain significant socio-religious institutions in Assam, and to some extent, in North Bengal, contributing to the continuity of Assamese cultural traditions.
Influence on the Bhakti Movement
Sankardev's profound influence extended beyond the boundaries of Assam, as his teachings and Ekasarana Dharma contributed to the broader Bhakti movement that swept across the Indian subcontinent.
The Bhakti movement, characterized by its emphasis on devotion and direct personal experience of the divine, sought to democratize spirituality and break down barriers of caste, class, and gender.
The ideas and principles propagated by Sankardev found parallels in the teachings of other Bhakti saints like Guru Nanak, Ramananda, Namdev, Kabir, Basava, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Each of these saints played a pivotal role in reshaping the religious and cultural landscape of their respective regions and contributed to the emergence of a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Literary Works and Artistic Expressions of Sankardev
Sankardev's literary and artistic works exemplified his genius and creativity. His major literary creations include the 'Kirtan Ghosa,' 'Gunamala,' and others. His holy songs, the 'Borgeets,' remain cherished expressions of devotion and spiritual longing. These devotional songs, set to mesmerizing melodies, continue to be performed in various cultural events and religious gatherings, captivating the hearts of the listeners.
Sankardev's contributions to the realm of theater and drama:
His contributions to the realm of theater and drama were equally remarkable. Sankardev's plays, the 'Ankia Naats,' were not mere theatrical performances but powerful vehicles of religious and spiritual messages. Using the art of storytelling and dramatic representation, Sankardev brought to life the stories of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama, infusing them with deep philosophical insights.
One of his most notable plays was 'Kaliya Daman,' which depicted the episode of Lord Krishna subduing the venomous serpent Kaliya. This play, like others, showcased his profound understanding of the Hindu scriptures and his ability to present complex philosophical concepts in a relatable and engaging manner.
Sankardev's artistic endeavors also gave rise to the Sattriya Dance, a classical dance form of India. Originally performed in the Sattras by male Bhokots (monastic disciples), Sattriya Dance was an integral part of religious rituals and cultural expressions. The dance form was characterized by its graceful movements, intricate footwork, and emotive storytelling. Later, female dancers also began performing Sattriya, and it eventually received recognition as one of the classical dance forms of India.
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| Satriya Dance Form of Assam |
Legacy and Impact
Srimanta Sankardev's contributions to Assamese culture and spirituality have left an indelible impact that continues to reverberate through generations. His efforts in promoting social harmony, religious tolerance, and inclusivity laid the foundation for a more egalitarian society in Assam. The Ekasarana Dharma movement fostered a sense of spiritual unity and brought diverse communities together under the umbrella of devotion to Lord Krishna.
The Sattras established by Sankardev became vital centers for education, arts, and culture. They served as bastions of Assamese literature, preserving ancient texts and scriptures and promoting the flourishing of various art forms. The Sattriya Dance, in particular, stands as a testament to Sankardev's vision of using artistic expressions as a means of spiritual connection and social cohesion.
Furthermore, Sankardev's impact on the Bhakti movement extended beyond his lifetime. The ideas and principles he propagated resonated with the broader Bhakti saints, leaving an enduring mark on the religious and philosophical landscape of the Indian subcontinent. His contributions influenced not only the spiritual realm but also the cultural, social, and political dimensions of Assam and the region.
Conclusion
FAQs
- What is the 1st work of Sankardev?
- Kartala Kamal
- what is the name of Sankardev's wife name?
- He married his first wife, Suryavati and after her death he married another woman named Kalindi
- When is sankardev tithi observed?
- Sankardev Tithi is observed on the 15th day of the Assamese month of Bhadrapada.
- Who is the great man of Assam?
- Srimanta Sankardev is the great man of Assam
- What was the only book written by Sankardev in Sanskrit?
- Sankardev wrote only one book in Sanskrit called "Kirtan Ghosa."
- Which drama did Sankardev write?
- Sankardev wrote the drama "Cihna Yatra."
- What is Sankardev sishu niketan?
- Sankardev Sishu Niketan is an educational institution named after Sankardev, promoting his teachings
- When and where did Sankardev died?
- Died: 7 September 1569; Bheladonga;
- What is Tithi of Sankardev?
- The death anniversary of saint scholar Srimanta Sankardeva. Tithi of Srimanta Shankardev is a regional public holiday in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam in the month of Bhadra.
- When did Sankardev died?
- The great saint died at the age of 120 years in 1568 in Coochbihar of West Bengal.Hope you enjoyed the Article about the great man of Assam, Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev and do suggest me if any in the COMMENT box given below.