Arup Saikia
(The writer can be reached at arupsaikia07@gmail.com)
Sankerdev was a saint-scholar, the tallest Assamese polymath of eastern mediaeval India, and the greatest unified magnetic icon of Assam. The general prevalent conception or field of discussion about a religious preacher or social reformer is the various holistic welfare deeds he or she does for society. However, Sankerdeva’s profound insight and foresight, among many others, have yet to be articulated. Seedlings grow with time and change with the climate. Development needs transformation, and transformation begets beauty and scientific explanation adapted to the new era.
CONTRIBUTION
Sankerdev’s everlasting contribution is very relevant across religions, geographical locations, and generations. The “Vrindavani vastra” (embroidered drape cloth) was woven by Mathura Das Burha Ata along with other weavers under the guidance of Srimanta Sankardeva. This is perceived as a prelude to the designable cloth industry. The childhood activities of Lord Krishna are embroidered on Vrindavani cloth, which is not an easy task. Many avenues lie in Assam for the new generation to revolutionise the indigenous cloth industry, following the skills of Sankardeva internationally.
The cultural icon Sankerdeva created a new form of dance that starts with exercise on soil. Therefore, it is called Mati (soil) and Akhora (rehearsal). The conception of ‘Mati Akhora’ mostly remained within the periphery of a narrow outlook as classical dance only. Its physical movement and immense medical attributes have been generally overlooked. Now the fruits of his dance have been tapped widely everywhere and marketed as modern physiotherapy by many non-Assamese. Likewise, ‘Chinha Yatra’, the first mediaeval drama in picture or painting, can be asserted as the doorstep of modern drama or cinema. “Chinha” means symbol, and “yatra” means drama.
INFLUENCE
No event is socially more important in Assam than the Sankardeva-led Vaishnavite revolution. Its impact and influence are so penetrating that even in remote tribal households, a verse from ‘“Kirtan”, a religious book of Sankerdeva, has been chanted. Nowadays, in any Hindu festival in Assam across the sects and races, it has become a trend for professional singers to also sing hymns from ‘Kirtan’. The unification of greater Assamese society lies in this mindset that no particular Assamese community, caste, race, or sect wholly contributed to the growth of Vaishnavism. On the other hand, it is equally contributed to by all and therefore embraced by everyone.
The fall of Constantinople opened the floodgates of the Renaissance in Europe. That reflected the scholarly progressive ideology of Italian polymaths Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Contemporaneously, Assam also witnessed an Indian Renaissance in the name of the “Bhakti Movement”. The partial breakdown of strict caste-based classifications of society, like the manumission of black slaves in Europe, is a direct effect of the Renaissance.
CULTURAL MAESTRO
The most lasting cultural product of the Assamese Renaissance is “Bhaona”. The Bhaona has been unifying Assamese society socially, economically, and culturally. Socially, many professional titles are created from Bhaona, like Pathak, Gayan, Borbayan, etc. And economically, professionals such as makeup artists, manufacturers of Bhaona costumes, firecrackers required at the time of monster entry, etc., originate from Bhaona. Bihu and Bhaona are both the most prevalent festivals in Assam.
PEOPLE’S HERMIT
Sankerdeva was not a typical hermit, as we think of her in Indian society. He was an avid traveller and had gone twice on pilgrimages. The “pilgrimage” word of the mediaeval era is euphemized as travel in modern perspective. He married twice, also to symbolise his complete family bond.
As king, Ashoka was ascetic; nevertheless, he served as king.
Sankerdeva also strictly maintained a sublime family life. This may be an ideal example to learn from for today’s people from disturbed families.
IRONY
Unfortunately, Assam became an enclosure for him. All the people of Assam have been serving as watchmen. Every Assamese has to break the barrier of his birth place to disseminate the iconic personality cult of Sankerdeva.