A Study on Neo Vaishnavite Movement of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva in Assam

Abstract

This paper intends to understand the Neo-Vaishnavite movement of Srimanta Sankardeva and the contribution of Srimanta Sankardeva to the Assamese Society. The Neo-Vaishnavite movement of Srimanta Sankardeva is an epoch-making occurrence in the socio- religious life of Assam during 15th century. At the time of Sankaradeva the socio-political and religious condition of the society was in a very bad shape. Political subjugation, ethnic segment, social unrest, economic uncertainties made the life of the people miserable. Peace was a day dream for the people of the medieval society. The whole society was disintegrated. But Sankaradeva united them with the help of his neo-Vaishnavite movement. He removed inter-ethnic conflicts and worked for peace and harmony. He redeemed the ethnic groups from their age-old bigotry, prejudice and regressive thoughts. Along with religion he used culture to unite them. Sankaradeva’s neo-Vaishnavite movement or the movement of love and non-violence was proved as one of the most effective measure to solve ethnic conflicts among the different ethnic groups of the Brahmaputra valley of Assam. His eka sarana nama dharma or neo-Vaishnavite movement acted as a bonding agent. Sankaradeva popularized the principles of nonviolence and disarmament through his religious writings.