Lakhyajit Mudoi
Assamese
June 2025
This paper delves into the revolutionary impact of Srimanta Sankardeva’s Bhakti movement on Assamese society in an analytical manner. The Neo-Vaishnavite movement, Eka Sharana Naam Dharma, of Sankardeva, which appeared in the 15th century, being born of social inequality, caste rigidity and ritualistic orthodoxy, introduced a monotheistic, all-encompassing, and homogenized spiritual life based on devotion to Lord Krishna. The work considers the ways in which Sankardeva’s teachings extended beyond religion to influence Assamese culture, language, literature, art, kinship and society. His œuvre encompasses translation of sacred texts to Assamese, song and drama on devotional themes and creation of institutes such as Namghars (houses for congregational worship) and Satras (religious educational institutions), which have for centuries played a crucial role in sculpting the religious and cultural life in Assam. The paper also addresses social and political and social consequences of the movement in which and its function as the force of community consolidation and cultural nationalism. Thus, the study highlights the ongoing relevance of traditions of egalitarianism in shaping both the political dynamics of the time and the legacy of Sankardeva’s ethos, which still inspire a moral vision through which to strive for the cause of social justice, cultural preservation and regional togetherness in modern Assam.
1170- 1186
© Airo Journals 2021
