Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev (1449–1568) stands as a monumental figure in the cultural, religious, and literary landscape of Assam and India. His life and works, deeply rooted in the Bhakti movement, transformed the socio-religious fabric of Assam, integrating it more firmly with the broader Indian cultural and religious context. Sankardev's perspectives on Greater Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma were both progressive and inclusive, transcending the regional boundaries of Assam to resonate with the pan-Indian spiritual and cultural ethos.
Srimanta Sankardev and the Bhakti Movement
The Bhakti movement, which swept across India during the 15th and 16th centuries, sought to democratize spiritual practice, making devotion (bhakti) accessible to all, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender. Sankardev, influenced by this movement, became a torchbearer of its principles in Assam, advocating a monotheistic worship centered around Vishnu, particularly in the form of Lord Krishna. In his teachings, Sankardev emphasized the universality of God, aligning with the core tenets of Sanatan Dharma, which envisions the Divine as all-pervading, formless, and accessible to all. This inclusiveness is reflected in Sankardev's adaptation of the Ekasarana Dharma, which called for singular devotion to one God, a concept deeply rooted in the broader Vaishnavite tradition of India. His approach transcended local religious practices, integrating Assam into the greater narrative of Indian spirituality.
Integration of Assamese Culture with Greater Indian Culture
Sankardev was not merely a religious reformer; he was also a cultural icon. His contributions to literature, music, dance, and drama were profound, laying the foundations for a distinctly Assamese cultural identity that was nevertheless deeply connected to Greater Indian culture. His literary works, especially the Kirtan Ghosa and Bhagavata, were written in Assamese and Brajavali, a language that combined Assamese with elements of Sanskrit, thus creating a bridge between local and pan-Indian cultural expressions. The Ankiya Naat, a form of one-act play introduced by Sankardev, was instrumental in popularizing the Bhakti ideology among the masses. These plays were performed in the local language, yet their themes and narratives were drawn from the Sanskrit epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, as well as the Puranas. This synthesis of local performance traditions with classical Indian narratives helped foster a cultural continuity between Assam and the rest of India. Sankardev’s influence extended to the creation of the Sattriya dance form, which was later recognized as one of the classical dance forms of India. Through Sattriya, Sankardev ensured that the devotional and artistic practices of Assam were seen as part of the broader tapestry of Indian culture.
Sanatan Dharma and Social Reform
At the heart of Sankardev's teachings was the principle of Sanatan Dharma—the eternal law or duty, which in his interpretation emphasized the fundamental unity of all beings under one Divine principle. He sought to reform the prevailing social order by challenging the rigid caste hierarchy, advocating for the spiritual equality of all individuals. This was a direct application of the Sanatan Dharma's principle of universalism, where every being is a manifestation of the Divine, and thus, worthy of respect and love. Sankardev's Namghar (prayer hall) concept was revolutionary in this regard. The Namghar was not only a place of worship but also a community center where people from all walks of life could come together. This concept of a shared spiritual and social space was deeply influenced by the egalitarian principles of the Bhakti movement and the inclusive vision of Sanatan Dharma. It reinforced the idea that devotion to God was the greatest equalizer, transcending social and economic barriers.
Sankardev’s Vision of a Unified Indian Spirituality
Sankardev's views on Greater Indian culture were marked by a profound respect for the diversity of spiritual paths that existed within the subcontinent. He recognized the plurality of religious expressions as different manifestations of the same underlying truth, a principle deeply embedded in Sanatan Dharma. By promoting the worship of Krishna, he aligned Assam's spiritual practices with the Vaishnavite tradition prevalent across India, yet he did so without erasing the unique cultural identity of his region. Sankardev’s emphasis on the Bhagavata Purana as a spiritual and cultural guidebook was another testament to his vision of a unified Indian spirituality. The Bhagavata, revered across India, became a central text in Assam's religious life through Sankardev's efforts. His translations and adaptations of this text made its teachings accessible to the Assamese people, while also linking them to a broader pan-Indian religious tradition.
Srimanta Sankardev's contributions to Assamese culture and Sanatan Dharma are immeasurable. Through his efforts, he not only initiated a religious and cultural renaissance in Assam but also connected his homeland to the broader currents of Indian spirituality and culture. His teachings emphasized the unity of all beings, the importance of devotion, and the need for social harmony—principles that remain relevant to this day. Sankardev's vision of a Greater Indian culture was one of inclusivity, where regional identities could flourish within the larger framework of Sanatan Dharma, reflecting the diverse yet unified spirit of India.
