Assam’s political significance of Sattras

In poll-bound state, the campaigns of each the BJP and therefore the Congress couldn't be a lot of completely different. Yet, one place figures conspicuously within the campaign trails of each parties — the Bartadrava Than/Sattra (monastery) in Nagaon, that is that the birthplace of noted Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva.

Last month, Home Minister Amit crowned head launched a change of state project there, earmarking Rs 188 large integer for its development. simply a number of weeks before that, the Congress launched a bus yatra — as a part of their state Basaon Ahok (Come Let’s Save Assam) campaign — from a similar place. that's not all.

It is common to envision politicians typically progressing to completely different Sattras to hunt blessings or extolling the virtues of Sankardeva, particularly within the run-up to elections. In fact, a part of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi’s state itinerary last week enclosed a visit to Letekupukhuri Than in Lakhimpur, the birthplace of Srimanta Madhavdev, the foremost sure adherent of Sankardeva.

Sattras ar monastic establishments created as a part of the sixteenth century Neo-Vaishnavite reformist movement started by Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva (1449-1596). because the saint traveled across state, spreading his teachings ANd propagating an egalitarian society, these Sattras/Thans were established as centres of non secular, social and cultural reforms within the sixteenth century. 

Each Sattra encompasses a naamghar (worship hall) as its nucleus ANd is headed by an important “Sattradhikar”. Monks, called bhakats, ar inducted into Sattras at a young age. they'll or might not be celibate, looking on the type of Sattra they're inducted into. There ar concerning 900 Sattras across state, however the most centres ar Bordowa (Nagaon), Majuli and Barpeta,” same Biman Hazarika, Principal, Dhing school and a Sattriya scholar, “These establishments ar of preponderating importance and lie at the center of Assamese culture.

Sankardeva propagated a kind of devotion known as eka-sharana-naam-dhrama, and espoused a society supported equality and fraternity, free from caste variations, orthodox Brahmanical rituals and sacrifices. His teaching centered on prayer and singing (naam) rather than worship. His Dharma was supported the four elements of deva (god), naam (prayers), bhakats (devotees), and guru (teacher).

Scholars, however, argue that post the ending of Sankardeva, the character of the Vaishnavite movement has modified considerably. “After his ending, because of philosophical  variations among his disciples, the Sattras got divided into four freelance sectarian divisions,” same Preeti Salila Rajkhowa, professor of History at Krishna Kanta Handiqui State university, adding, “As a result, the establishment additionally deviated from its basic goal, and lost the initial reformatory thrust.”

During the Ahom reign, the Sattras received tons of donations within the kind of land or cash from the kings.

A academician from a government-affiliated school in Nagaon, UN agency didn't would like to be named, same that despite that, throughout the time, Sattras were unbroken out of political management. “Unlike temples, Sattras didn't need patronage as a result of they were self-sufficing, grew their own food and will sustain themselves,” he said, adding, “So they ne'er wanted patronage, it had been given to them. However, today, it's completely different. Annual grants from the state and central government ar dealt out to Sattras, within the hope for political support.”