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ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 6, 2020 A STUDY ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF MAHAPURUSH SRIMANTA SANKARDEVA IN THE FIELD OF AND CULTURE IN RELATION TO ITS EDUCATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

Nipshikha Bonia1, Bilina Devi Kataky2 , Dipika Baruah3

1,2 Research Scholars, University, 3 Lecturer, Rev. William Ward Junior College, Lakhimpur, Assam.

ABSTRACT: Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva was an assamese saint-scholar, poet, social-religious reformer, playwright, polymath and a figure of importance in the cultural and religious . Srimanta Sankardeva had given Assam a new life and new shape.The religious preaching and activities of Srimanta Sankardeva contributed significantly in shaping the Assamese Culture and literature. Study about his life and works is of great academic importance in Assam. The educational, cultural and literature contribution by him still influences the modern creative works. The ideas, cultural contribution and philosophy of Srimanta Sankardeva have become an integral part of the life of . Therefore, the investigators have felt the need to study about the contribution of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva in the field of assamese literature and culture in relation to its educational significanceto uplift the moral, spiritual, value based thought, character building and personality development of the future generation of the people. The main objectives of the study are to study the Contribution of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva in the field of Assamese literature and culture and to study the educational significance of the Contribution of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva in the field of Assamese literature and culture.

KEYWORDS: Mahapurusha Srimanta sankardeva, Cultural Contribution, Assamese Literature, Educational Significance.

I. INTRODUCTION

Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva was an assamese saint-scholar, poet, social-religious reformer, playwright, polymath and a figure of importance in the cultural and religious history of Assam. Srimanta Sankardeva had given Assam a new life and new shape. He was a human God in the earth and amongst the and he is the most celebrated name in Assam. He was really the most worthy son of God, whichis also regarded as an incarnation by section of Assamese people. Srimanta Sankardeva was a versatile genius, a good administrator, a religious teacher and a leading social reformer. He was all, and all was in him – a painter, a musician, a scholar and above all an ideal Asssamese of a long past. Srimanta Sankardeva is like a saviour to the Assamses society. He spread Neo Vaisnavism in Assam and regenerated the whole society refurnishing its faith, cultural, social structure and integrity.

1.1. Significance of the study: Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva is a religious saint for the people of Assam. The religious preaching and activities of Srimanta contributed significantly in shaping the Assamese Culture and literature. Study about his life and works is of great academic importance in Assam. The educational, cultural and literature contribution by him still influences the modern creative works.Srimanta Sankardeva was a pioneer of Assamese art and culture, language and literature and also of education. The ideas, cultural contribution and philosophy of Srimanta Sankardevahave become an integral part of the life of Assamese people. Therefore, the investigators have felt the need to study aboutthe contribution of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva in the field of assamese literature and culture in relation to its educational significanceto uplift the moral, spiritual, value based thought, character building and personality development of the future generation of the people. 1.2. Delimitation of the study: The delimitation of the present study is as under:

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ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 6, 2020 a) The present study is delimited to the materials available to the investigators concerning with Srimanta Sankardeva. b) The present study will specify only the Contribution of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva in the field of Assamese literature and culture. c) II. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY a) To study the Contribution of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva in the field of Assamese literature and culture. b) To study the educational significance of the Contribution of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva in the field of Assamese literature and culture. c) III. METHODOLOGY

The present study is based on secondary data collected from secondary sources i.e. books, research paper, research articles, reports etc. published in journals and periodical. Some information is also collected “Kritan ghosa” of Sankardeva and books written about Sankardeva by some authors. The present study is descriptive in nature.

IV. RESULT AND DISSCUSSION

Objective: 1:- To study the Contribution of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva in the field of Assamese literature and culture.

Sl Names of the Contributions Discussion on the Contribution of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva in No. of Mahapurusha Srimanta the field of Assamese literature and culture Sankardeva in the field of Assamese literature and culture 1. Poetic Work Sankardeva’s reputation as a poet is often overshadowed by his greatness as a preacher and a religious reformer. The focus point behind Sankardeva’s poetry is personation of Visnu as karma. This is the pivotal theme of the resurgent vaisnava literature of Indian as a whole. The incarnation was an act of compassion like Christ’s which had been the motive force of the great art and literature of European Middle Ages and after. He celebrates the incarnated in most of his works. The greatness of his poetry hinges on this double version that Krishnadivine and his human nature. The name of the poetic work of Sankardeva are -Ghosa, Harischandra- upayana, Rukminiharana, ajamil opakhyana, Bali-Chalona, Kurukshetra Yatra,Gopi Uddava Samvada, Amtrita Manthana etc. 2. Theory The main intention of Sankardeva to establish Bhakti theory is to convert Saktism to . Through Bhakti theory, Sankardeva tried to disseminate different principle of his Nava-Vaishnava religion among the people of Assam. Different books of Sankardeva that established his Bhakti theory are Bhakti Pradipa, Anadi Patona, Nimi Navaridha Samvada, Bhakti Ratnakar ( in Sanskrit), . 3. Transliteration Sankardeva rendered Purana ( section-vi, viii,i, ii,vii,ix,x,xi,xii) from Sanskrit to Assamese words and idioms of the time. Further, he translated the first canto of (Adi Kanda) and last canto (Uttara Kanda). 4. Sankardev denoted the beginning of the assamese drama in the fifteenth century which known as Angkia Naat. It is an unique form of dance- drama. Angkia Naats are complete composition of art with slokas,bhatimas, dance, songs and dialogues, contributing to create a form of superhuman loveliness. The early specimens of dramatic prose embedded in these plays are remarkable for their intimate, colloquial tone, expressive style and adroit rhythms. He handling of Brajavali in this 2347

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ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 6, 2020 kind of poetic drama is hardly paralleled elsewhere in India. But, the songs accompanying the dancing of the Sutradhara expresses, though their haunting melodies, the subtle nuances of feelings generated in the hearts of the characters in situations charged with emotion. The Angkiya Naats are written by Sankardeva are Cihna Yatra, Patni- prasada, parijat Harana, Damana, Harana, Keli Gopala, Sriom vijoya 5. Song All the songs are written and composited by Sankardeva are known as in Assamese Society for its high value and reputation. Borgeet are some of the most classic devotional songs. The tune and rhythms of these songs are set in the dhrupara tradition and are fixed for all times. They are sung in the same tune and rhythms as in the lifetime of the saint without conscious variation. These tunes have survived the attack of time and have hunted people’s mind for half a millennium. The carefully chosen word, the stately rhythms and deep-set imagery set lyrics maintain the highest dignity of Borgeet. In depth of feelings and structural ordinance of spiritual lyrics also the best part of Borgeet for which it occupies the highest place of assamese cultural field. Sankardeva composed total 240 Borgeet, but only 34 exist in present time. Besides, Bhatima is also a kind of panegyrics song written by Sankardeva. There are three types of Bhatima- Deva Bhatima (panegyrics to God), Nat bhatima (use in drama) and Raja Bhatima (panegyrics to King). 6. Dance Satriya dance or sattria Nritya is a major . It is a dance-drama performance art with origins in the Krishna-centred Vaishnavasim monasteries of Assam, and attributed to the 15th century. It is a very rich form of Assamese classical dance which need hard training and hearty dedication from the part of the dancer. It is based on proper coordination of body and mind of the dancer. 7. Namghor The Namghor is a prayer-house where the devotees, present as the congregation, sign the name of God. Namghor can be considered as one of the most powerful instrument for popularising a Sankardev’s ideology, philosophy and religious thought and alive it each and every Assamese people’s heart from ancient to present time. Earlier, Sankardeva established Namghor for imparting the religious knowledge among villagers. Letter on, Namghor has become the permanent feature of every village, town and city of Assam. 8. Sattra Sattra is a cultural centre for imparting training of stage acting, singing,and musical recital connected with the and Sattriya culture. It is also provide academic knowledge. Sattra fall under two major categories- udashin sattra and Grihastri Sattra. In Udashin , Bhaktas lead celibate lives whereas the bhaktas are not celibate and enter domestic life in Grihastri Satra. Satras can be called as multidimensional institution for participating in religious discourses, sacred cultural practises, art and literature. Sattras are the flag bearer of Assamese enriches culture for conservation, preservation and transformation of the artistic forms and expressions including dance, music, woodcarving, mask-making and theatre that become an integral part of bhakti, were rooted in the existing folk and cultural tradition.

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ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 6, 2020

Objective: 2:-To study the educational significance of the Contribution of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva in the field of Assamese literature and culture. .Sl Names of the Contributions Educational significance of the Contribution of Mahapurusha Srimanta No. of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva in the field of Assamese literature and culture. Sankardeva in the field of Assamese literature and culture 1 Poetic Work (Kabya) 1. Through simple and colloquial language, poetic work of Mahapurish Srimanta Sankardeva can be recognized as a fit strong vehicle for the dissemination of Bhakti among the students. it helps to purify the state of mind of the students by eliminating negative thoughts and feeling.. 2. The reflection of spiritual significance based on the life and exploits of Lord Krishna through the poetry of Sankardev promote strong moral character formation of students. 3. Sankardev’s poetic work can be considered as a very rich souse of aesthetic development of the students. 2 Bhakti Theory 1. The major educational significant can be seen from Bhakti theory of Sankardeva is that through the religious principle, Sankardeva tried to establishe a classless society by removing untouchability and intolerance. 2. Besides, bhakti theory also emphasis on imparting democratic value like brotherhood, unity, equality and adopting right value like love, affection, peace etc. among the people which is most important relevancy in present world. 3 Transliteration 1. By the translation of Ramayana, Srimanta Sankardeva’s depiction of the character of is superb tribute to Indian womanhood. 4 Drama 1. Major educational significant of the drama of Srimanta Sankardeva is that these are the great instrument of informal education to impart spiritual, cultural and moral education to the common people especially illiterate people of Assam. 5 Song 1. Borgeet has deep contribution to attain liberal aim of education in Indian educational system. With the in-depth realization of the feelings of devotion, the philosophy behind the Borgeet of Srimanta Sankardeva empowers individuals with broad knowledge, a strong sense of value, ethics and civic engagement. 6 Satriya Dance 1. This dance form vibrates the body and mind. It is a form of . To learn Sattriya dance, a learner have to survive a difficult period of time of hard training from which a learner can learn discipline and patience which two factor most important in human life. 2. The total body movement of a dancer so that a child has his or her complete physical fitness and get control over the body. 3. It is a dance form which depends on the mode of expression of the inner feeling of the dancer. So, it can enhance the self-belief and self- confidence. 4. This type of dance based on the mythology and . So, when a student learns this dance, he or she is bound to know the story of , Ramayana, Bhagawat. In this way, a student can be motivated to learn the Indian ancient literature. 5. This dance has deep significant to promote the greatest Indian cultural heritage among students.

7 Namghor 1. Though the Namghor is considered priory as a prayer institution, but it cannot be denied its educational implication. Namghor occupies a cordial place which can hold the unity of a village, town and community. 2349

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ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 6, 2020 2. Namghor imparts spiritual and moral education to the people of village, town and community by organizing Vaona, Nam-Kirtan, performing different traditional rituals etc. 3. It can be treated as a significant instrument to ensure leadership potentialities, creativity, and cultural aptitude of the people of village, town or community by arranging different healthy competition on these aspects. 8 Sattra 1. Sattras imparted both formal and informal education. It imparted formal education through the tols and catuspathis maintained by some of affluent Sattras. Informal education has better significant than formal education in Sattras in case of the masses, consisted of sermons, exposition of scriptures and discussion on philosophical and theological matters during prayer service. 2. Sattras can be considered as a library. Every Sattra possess a library consisting of manuscripts to the extent of a few thousand copies. Books on music, dance, medicine, literature, philosophy, and painting are carefully preserved in Sattras. Moreover, rare Sanskrit manuscript like the Srihasta-mukutavali, Satvata-, Hastividyarnava have been recovered from Sattra. 3. Satras are the great source for research work in Assamese literature and culture.

V. CONCLUSION

The central role of Sankardeva in Assamese society is a religious saint. But his incredible contribution to the field of literature and culture make him Mahapurusha for the people of Assam. Thereformative cultural revolution of Sankardeva made progress in the evaluation of thoughts and development of the society. borgeet, bhaona, music and dance gave this revolution an expectional and unique structure. Thoughtfulness behind the drama of sankardeva attracts all people irrespective of cast, creed and class. The motive of his drama was to abolish caste discrimination and create unity among the people. His cultural creation NamghorandSattra also a significant contributionof imparting democratic value to the society. Through the cultural activity, Sankardeva tried to project light of education among illiterate people of Assam. Though the whole cultural contribution and literature work of Sankardeva is primarily related to imparting religious education, it has also great educative value for which every educational institution of Assam practices it through curriculum.

VI. REFERENCES

[1] B. Hazarika, Neo-Vaishnavite Satras of Assam in 21stCentury (Problemsand [2] Prospects),Jagaran Press, , 2013. [3] B. Hazarika, Neo-Vaishnavite Satras of Assam in 21stCentury (Problemsand [4] Prospects),Jagaran Press, Guwahati, 2013. [5] B. Hazarika, Neo-Vaishnavite Satras of Assam in 21stCentury (Problemsand [6] Prospects),Jagaran Press, Guwahati, 2013. [7] B. Hazarika, Neo-Vaishnavite Satras of Assam in 21stCentury (Problemsand [8] Prospects),Jagaran Press, Guwahati, 2013. [9] B. Hazarika, Neo-Vaishnavite Satras of Assam in 21stCentury (Problemsand [10] Prospects),Jagaran Press, Guwahati, 2013. [11] B. Hazarika, Neo-Vaishnavite Satras of Assam in 21stCentury (Problemsand [12] Prospects),Jagaran Press, Guwahati, 2013. [13] Best, J. W. & Kahn, J. V. (2007). Research in Education. New Delhi: Dorling Kindersley Publishers (India) Pvt. Ltd. [14] Borkakoti, S. K. (2006).Unique Contributions of Srimanta Sankardeva in Religion and Culture, , Srimanta Sankardeva Sangha, p.82. [15] Deka, P. (2017). Srimanta Sankardeva and his Philosophy. EPRA International Journal of Socio- Economic and Environmental Outlook. Vol. 3. Retrieved from https://eprawisdom.com/jpanel/upload/articles/753pm15.Priti%20Deka.pdf. 2350

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ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 6, 2020 [16] Hazarika, B. (2013). Neo-Vaishnavite Satras of Assam in 21st Century (Problems and Prospects). Jagaran Press, Guwahati, Assam. [17] , S. (2017). Philosophy of Srimanta Sankardeva and His Neovaishnavism: A Philosophical Study. IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science (IOSR-JHSS). Vol. 22, Issue 10, Ver.VI, PP. 36-40. Retrieved from http://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jhss/papers/Vol.%2022%20Issue10/Version- 6/E2210063640.pdf. [18] Koul, L. (1993). Methodology of Educational Research, New Delhi, Vikash Publisshed House Pvt .Ltd. [19] Neog, M. (1980).The Contribution of the Sankardeva Movement to the Culture and Civilisation of India, Guwahati. Forum for Sankaradeva Studies. p.18. [20] , B. (2018). An Introduction to the Sttra : Belief, Change in Tradition and Current Entanglement. Journal of Ethnology and Folkloristics. Vol. 12 (2). Retrieved from www.researchgate.net. [21] Sharma, S.N. (1966).The Neo-Vaishnavite Movement and the Satra Institution of Assam, Gauhati University, Department of Publication, Gauhati University, p. 155. [22] Sarma, N. N. (1996). Contribution of Srimanta Sankardeva and his Associates towards Education amongst the Rural Flok of Assam. Ph.D thesis, Department of Education, Gauhati University, Assam. Retrieved from https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/67071.

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