Srimanta Shankardev

Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev was a significant figure in the cultural and religious history of Assam, India. Born on September 26, 1449, in Bordowa, Ahom Kingdom (present-day Nagaon district, Assam), he was a saint-scholar, poet, playwright, social-religious reformer, and a key personality in the Bhakti movement in Assam,

He is widely credited with providing a major impetus to the Neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam, known as Ekasarana Dharma. His contributions spanned across various fields including religion, literature, music, dance, drama, and social reconstruction. Sankardev transformed Assamese society with his egalitarian ideology and united people through his teachings and art.

Sankardev’s literary works are extensive and include trans-created scriptures, poetry, and theological works written in Sanskrit, Assamese, and Brajavali. He introduced new forms of music (Borgeet), theatrical performance (Ankia Naat, Bhaona), and dance (Sattriya), which are living traditions in Assam today.

His legacy continues through the Sattras(monastic centers) that he and his followers established, which remain important socio-religious institutions in Assam and parts of North Bengal. Sankardev passed away on September 7, 1568, but his influence on Assamese culture and religion is still profound and celebrated.