Srimanta Shankardeva: The visionary social reformer of Assam

 Madhurjya Saikia

(The writer can be reached at madhurjyatu15@gmail.com)

In the records of Indian history, the name Srimanta Shankardeva stands tall as a multifaceted personality who left an indelible mark on the cultural, religious, and social fabric of Assam. Born in 1449, this great saint-scholar not only propagated Neo-Vaishnavite philosophy but also emerged as a prominent social reformer. Shankardeva’s life and teachings continue to inspire millions, and his contributions to the socio-religious landscape of Assam remain significant. Shankardeva was born in the village of Bordowa, located in the present-day Nagaon district of Assam. From an early age, he displayed a deep inclination towards spirituality and a quest for knowledge. His spiritual journey led him to study various religious texts, including the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Puranas. However, it was his encounter with Sankaracharya’s Advaita philosophy that sparked a transformation in his life.

Rejecting the monastic path, Shankardeva embraced the Bhakti movement, inspired by the idea of devotion and love for God. He firmly believed that devotion to the divine could bring about a spiritual awakening and transform society for a better egalitarian order. Shankardeva’s most significant contribution to Assam’s social reform was the propagation of Neo-Vaishnavism, a distinct form of Vaishnavism influenced by the Bhakti movement. He envisioned a society where caste distinctions, rituals, and superstitions would not hinder one’s path to spiritual realization. Neo-Vaishnavism became a powerful tool for social reform in Assam, emphasizing devotion to Lord Krishna as the path to self-awakening and salvation, irrespective of caste or creed. He vehemently opposed the rigid caste system prevalent in his time. He preached that every individual, regardless of their social status, had the potential for spiritual growth and enlightenment. This message resonated with the masses, leading to the formation of an inclusive society where caste distinctions gradually eroded. Recognizing the importance of knowledge, Shankardeva emphasized the need for education. He played a pivotal role in promoting the Assamese language and script, which empowered the common people to access religious texts and transcend social boundaries. This emphasis on education paved the way for a more enlightened society. Shankardeva recognized the importance of women in society and granted them an elevated status within the Neo-Vaishnavite community. He encouraged women to actively participate in religious and cultural activities, thus challenging the prevailing patriarchal norms.

Shankardeva spearheaded a cultural renaissance in Assam during the 15th century. Shankardeva’s efforts were not limited to religious reform. He contributed significantly to Assamese culture through his compositions, including Borgeets (devotional songs), Bhaonas (religious dramas), and Ankiya Naats (one-act plays). These cultural forms not only conveyed spiritual messages but also instilled moral values, bridging the gap between religion and culture. Shankardeva’s artistic contributions became integral to Assam’s identity, bridging the gap between religion and culture and enriching the artistic legacy of the region. His notable literary works include “Kirtan Ghosa,” where he elucidates the tenets of Neo-Vaishnavism, emphasizing devotion to Lord Krishna and the rejection of caste-based distinctions. “Bhakti Ratnakara” delves into the philosophy of devotion and its transformative power. Among his most celebrated contributions are the “Bargeets,” a collection of devotional songs brimming with spiritual wisdom, love, devotion, and morality. Shankardeva’s talent for blending spirituality with artistic expression is further evident in his one-act plays known as “Ankiya Naats,” written in Assamese, which impart spiritual and moral lessons through engaging drama. His composition “Kali Daman” draws from Hindu mythology to emphasize the triumph of good over evil, while “Gunamala” is a compilation of aphorisms and verses extolling the virtues of a devout life. These literary treasures continue to enrich Assamese literature, serving as sources of spiritual guidance and cultural pride.

One of Shankardeva’s most enduring legacies is the establishment of Sattras, monastic institutions that served as centres of learning, culture, and social reform. These Sattras became hubs for disseminating Neo-Vaishnavite philosophy, educating the masses, and fostering a sense of community. Within the Sattras, people from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, were welcomed. The focus was on spiritual growth, moral development, and the eradication of social evils. The Sattras also played a crucial role in preserving Assamese art, literature, and cultural traditions. Also, Namghars are integral to Assamese society, serving as centres of spiritual, cultural, and communal life. These prayer halls, originally promoted by Shankardeva, foster a sense of unity among diverse communities. They facilitate congregational prayer, devotional singing, and religious discourses, promoting spiritual values and a strong moral foundation. Namghars also play a vital role in preserving and promoting Assamese culture, as they serve as venues for cultural events, festivals, and traditional performances. Namghars thus contribute significantly to the religious, cultural, and social fabric of Assam.

The philosophy of “Ek Sarania Nam Dharma” advocated by Shankardeva emphasizing the singular importance of devotion to Lord Krishna. This philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that devotion to the Divine, encapsulated in the chanting of the Lord’s name, is the ultimate path to spiritual salvation. “Eka Sarania Nam Dharma” translates to “One God, One Name, One Religion.” It underscores the monotheistic nature of Neo-Vaishnavism, emphasizing that there is one supreme God, Lord Krishna, and one should focus their devotion solely on Him. This philosophy rejects the complexities of rituals, caste distinctions, and religious dogmas prevalent in society, promoting a simple and direct relationship between the individual soul and the Divine. The cornerstone of this philosophy is the repetition of the Lord’s name, primarily through congregational singing and chanting. Shankardeva believed that the continuous remembrance of God’s name would purify the mind, elevate the soul, and lead to spiritual realization. This practice was open to all, regardless of caste or social status, promoting inclusivity and equality within the Neo-Vaishnavite community. Shankardeva’s philosophy of “Ek Sarania Nam Dharma” emphasizes the supremacy of devotion to Lord Krishna and the power of chanting his name as the universal path to spiritual liberation. It upholds simplicity, inclusivity, and a direct connection with the Divine as the core principles of Neo-Vaishnavism, transcending the barriers of caste and creed to promote a harmonious and spiritually enlightened society.

Shankardeva’s influence on Assam’s society and culture has endured for centuries. Neo-Vaishnavism promoted unity among diverse communities in Assam, fostering a sense of belonging and shared spirituality and building a foundation for a composite culture. Shankardeva’s contributions to Assamese literature, music, and drama laid the foundation for the preservation and promotion of Assamese culture. The dismantling of caste barriers and emphasis on equality have left an indelible mark on Assam’s social fabric, promoting harmony and cohesion. His advocacy for women’s participation in religious and cultural activities challenged societal norms and contributed to the empowerment of women. Shankardeva played a crucial role in forging Assam’s identity by fostering a sense of unity and cultural distinctiveness. His Neo-Vaishnavite movement promoted devotion to Lord Krishna as a unifying spiritual force, transcending caste and creed. Through his literary and artistic contributions, including Borgeets, Bhaonas, and Ankiya Naats, he enriched Assamese culture, infusing it with spiritual and moral values. By advocating for the Assamese language and script, he strengthened linguistic identity. Shankardeva’s legacy continues to resonate in Assam’s identity, emphasizing spirituality, inclusivity, and cultural heritage as key components of what it means to be Assamese.

Shankardeva, the saint-scholar of Assam, was a beacon of light in a society grappling with social inequalities and religious orthodoxy. His Neo-Vaishnavite philosophy not only provided a spiritual pathway but also served as a catalyst for social reform and cultural resurgence. Shankardeva’s legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the transformative power of spirituality and the importance of inclusivity and love in building a just society. Assam owes much of its cultural and social vibrancy to this visionary social reformer, whose teachings remain as relevant today as they were in the 15th century.