Srimanta Sankar Dev was truly an extraordinary soul, weaving together the threads of wisdom, artistry, and spirituality in the vibrant tapestry of Assam’s cultural and religious history. This remarkable individual wasn’t just a saint and scholar; he embraced the diverse roles of poet, playwright, dancer, actor, musician, and artist. Picture him not only as a reformer but as a passionate advocate for change, leaving an indelible mark on the rich heritage of Assam, India.
Early Life
Sankardev came into this world in 1449, born into the loving Shiromani family in Alipukhuri, Nagaon. His dad, Kusumbar Bhuyan, and mom, Satyasandhya Devi, named him Sankaravara. Growing up in a household of Saktas, including his dear parents, life took an early turn for Sankardev when he lost them at a tender age. His father left his side when Sankardev was just seven, leaving him in the care of his caring grandmother, Khersuti.
Education
When Srimanta Sankardev was just 12 years old, he joined Mahendra Kandali’s school, where he penned his first verses, the enchanting Karatala-Kamala. Surprisingly, he completed the entire poem before even learning the vowels – a testament to his innate poetic brilliance. Throughout his teenage years at the school, he delved into grammar and Indian scriptures, even composing his initial work, Harishchandra upakhyan. Interestingly, it was during this educational journey at Mahendra Kandali’s chartasaal that his name transformed from Sankaravara to ‘Sankardev,’ a change initiated by his mentor. Having mastered major scriptures, Sankardev, fondly known as Dekagiri, bid farewell to the school in his late teens to fulfill his role as the esteemed Shiromani Bhuyan, earning the admiration of his subjects.
Marriage Life and Pilgrimage
- Sankardev’s life was marked by profound journeys and a deep spiritual connection. At a young age, he experienced both love and loss, marrying Suryavati and becoming a father to Manu, only to lose his wife shortly after. This sorrow seemed to intensify his spiritual yearning, leading him on a twelve-year pilgrimage in 1481.
- Entrusting his household to his son-in-law Hari, he embarked on a transformative journey through major Vaishnavite sites across India, sharing wisdom and engaging in spiritual discussions. His pilgrimage solidified his role in the Pan-Indian Bhakti movement.
- During this time, Sankardev’s spiritual pursuits led him to compose his first Borgeet in 1488. Returning home to Alipukhuri after 12 years, he declined to resume leadership roles, preferring a simpler life despite the elders’ requests. Later, on his grandmother’s urging, he married Kalindi at 54 and returned to Bordowa in 1498. There, he built a Namghar—a thatched house for religious discussions and prayers—where he shared his teachings on Bhakti.
- Sankardev’s life took twists as political instability threatened Bordowa, prompting relocations. He encountered his spiritual successor, Madhavdev, during these travels. However, a tragic incident involving the arrest and execution of his son-in-law Hari deeply pained him. Escaping the Ahom kingdom’s troubles, Sankardev and his followers sought refuge in the Koch kingdom at Patbausi near Barpeta.
- In 1550, Sankardev embarked on another pilgrimage with 117 disciples, including Madhavdev. Their journey, filled with spiritual experiences, was cut short after six months due to Thakur Ata’s return and Kalindi’s plea to halt in Puri. The group returned to Patbausi in 1551, marking another chapter in the remarkable life of Sankardev.
Ekasarana Dharma
Ekasarana Dharma is a beautiful spiritual path that emerged in the 15th and 16th centuries, thanks to the wisdom of Srimanta Sankardeva. This neo-Vaishnavite religion is all about wholehearted devotion (bhakti) to the divine Krishna. Instead of getting lost in complex Vedic rituals, followers focus on coming together to joyfully listen (sravan) and sing about Krishna’s name and deeds.
The heart of Ekasarana Dharma lies in the sacred text known as the Bhagavat of Sankardeva, a translation of the Sanskrit Bhagavata Purana by the enlightened Srimanta Sankardev. What makes this path so special is its emphasis on the simplicity and sincerity of bhakti practices over intricate philosophical viewpoints. In Ekasarana Dharma, the spotlight is on adoring Krishna as the supreme entity, as beautifully depicted in the Bhagavata Purana.
Dance Form
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the awesome Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev introduced the fantastic Sattriya Dance, giving it life within the vibrant ‘Sattras.’ Today, it proudly stands as one of India’s classical dance forms. These ‘Sattras’ initially sprouted for spreading the joy of Vaishnavism but soon evolved into Assam’s heart for all things religious, cultural, and social. Originally part of ‘Ankia Naats,’ this dance got its name from the very ‘Sattra’ it blossomed in. For centuries, it swirled within the Sattras and Namghars, where male Bhokots danced passionately as part of religious rituals, sharing the beautiful philosophy of Vaishnavism.
The art stayed tucked within those sacred walls until visionaries like the late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and Late Moniram Dutta worked their magic, bringing Sattriya dance into the wider world. A game-changer occurred when women took the stage, infusing the dance with a fresh energy. Finally, on November 15, 2000, the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi bestowed the title of classical dance upon Sattriya, marking a splendid milestone. While some devout Sankarites affectionately dub it Sankari dance, it’s a treasure that has gracefully transcended its origins.
Literary Works
Sankardev was a prolific writer, and his works are characterized by clear language, melodious verses, and a pervasive infusion of devotion, particularly to Krishna. His masterpiece, the Kirtana-ghosha, remains popular in Assam, adorning many households even today. This collection features narrative verses praising Krishna, designed for community singing. Sankardev, in most of his writings, employed the contemporary Assamese language to ensure accessibility to the common person. However, for dramatic flair in his songs and plays, he artfully incorporated Brajavali, a medieval Maithili dialect.
His sacred songs, known as ‘Borgeet,’ and plays titled ‘Ankia Naat’ showcased the Sattriya Dance, a distinctive feature of the time. Through the dramatic presentations, especially in the ‘Ankiya Naats,’ Sankardev skillfully narrated tales, predominantly centered around the lives of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama. His debut dramatic piece, ‘China Yatra,’ is recognized as one of the earliest open-air theatrical performances globally, although no written script of this performance exists today. Noteworthy innovations introduced by Sankardev, such as the presence of a narrator (Stradhara) on stage and the use of masks, anticipated techniques later employed by renowned playwrights like Bertolt Brecht.
These cultural traditions remain an enduring part of the Assamese heritage. Apart from his magnum opus, Sankardev’s literary contributions include the translation of eight books from the Bhagavata Purana, various plays like ‘Kaliya Daman’ and ‘Rambijay,’ and diverse works such as ‘Bhakti-pradip’ and ‘Gunamala.’ His 120-year-long life witnessed a flourishing of Bhakti literature, showcasing his enduring impact. Even at the age of twelve, when he began schooling, Sankardev displayed his poetic prowess by composing a vowel-less poem, ‘Karatala Kamala Kamala Dala Nayana,’ praising Lord Vishnu, showcasing his early literary brilliance.
Conclusion
Sankardev left an indelible imprint on Assam’s religious and cultural life. Through his teachings, he united various castes and groups of people into a single cultural unit. He established monasteries in even the most remote villages, bringing Bhakti to the common people. When all of our nationalist leaders and scholars claim Assam to be an indivisible part of the Indian nation, they rarely mention this great nationalist saint, both during the freedom movement and today. This Assamese polymath died on 23 August 1568 at the age of 118 at Bheladonga.
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