Srimanta Sankardev of Assam

Srimanta Sankardev শ্ৰীমন্ত শংকৰদেৱ, also known as Sankardev or Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, [ महापुरुष श्रीमंत शंकरदेव ]was a 15th-century saint, scholar, poet, playwright, and social reformer from Assam, a state in northeastern India. He is considered the father of Assamese culture and revered as a saint and spiritual leader by Assam’s people.

Early Life of Srimanta Sankardev

Sankardev was born in 1449 CE in Bordowa [ बोरदोवा ], in the Nagaon district of Assam, which was then the principality of his father Sirumoni Kushumbar Bhuyan [ सिरूमोनी कुशुम्बर भुइयां ], the chief of the Bhuyan clan, originally hailing from Kanauj about 100 years back, before his birth. His mother’s name was Satyasandha [ सत्यचंधा ]. Soon after his birth, he lost his mother, and his father also died a little later. Brought up by his grandmother Khersuti [ खेर सुती ], Sankardev attained, over time, an extraordinarily attractive and handsome personality. He was thoroughly educated in Sanskrit literature and religion. In 1464, at the young age of 19 years, Sankardeva completed the study of all Shastra [शास्त्र ], though he started his education at the school of Mahendra Kandali [महेंद्र कंडाली ], quite late at the age of 12 years.

In 1468, Sankardev composed the Cihna-Yatra the first modern drama written in any Indian language, much earlier than Shakespeare. He was a multifaceted personality who contributed to literature, music, dance, theater, and religion.

To educate the common man, he translated the complicated Sanskrit texts into Assamese. He introduced Brajaravali [ब्रजरावली ], a language mixed with Assamese, Hindi, Odisha, and Maithaly, which also fostered the cause of affinity with the Neo Vaishnavite movement that was taking place outside Assam.

He propagated a form of Vaishnavism known as Ekasarana Dharma [ एकासरन धर्म ]or Mahapurushiya Dharma. This emphasized monotheism, devotion to Lord Krishna, and community living. Sankardev composed numerous devotional songs called Borgeets [ बोर गीत ], which are still sung and cherished in Assam today.

Literary Work of Sankar Dev

Sankardev’s most significant literary work is the Kirtan Ghosa, a collection of devotional songs that conveys Ekasarana Dharma teachings. He also wrote several plays known as Ankiya Naats, which are one-act plays performed in the Sattras (monastic institutions) he established.

Sankardev’s efforts extended beyond the religious and cultural realms. He advocated social reforms, including the eradication of the caste system and women’s empowerment. He also played a crucial role in uniting Assam’s people and building cultural identity.

Sankardev’s legacy is still alive in Assam. His teachings continue to inspire people, and his works are an integral part of Assamese literature and the performing arts. The Sattras he founded, such as the Kamalabari Sattra and Auniati Sattra, serve as centers of religious and cultural activities, promoting the values he espoused.

In recognition of his immense contributions, Srimanta Sankardev is revered as a saint and cultural icon not only in Assam but also across the northeastern region of India. His influence on Assamese society and the preservation of Assamese culture remains significant to this day.

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