|
|
|
|
Sattras
The Sattra institute of Assam is an icon of Neo Vaishnavism in Assam. This socio-religions institute played an important role not only in Assam but also in Indian Socio cultural diversity. The Sattra institution although as similar as Buddhist monasteries or ancient Maths, in fact it was a unique creation of Sankardeva which were latterly become part & parcel of Assamese life. The Neo-Vaishnavite movement in the 16th Century was not merely confined to the strict regiment of an artistic school undertones, but effectively it was a comprehensive social movement with religion playing the pivotal role. This rich legacy of 16th century renaissance finally provide the building blocks of vibrant Assamese culture still alive in the institution of Sattra and Naghars in Majuli. There are more than 700 nos. of big and small Sattras found in Assam and most of the Sattra found in Majuli. During the day of Sankardeva, Majuli played an important role in this movement. It acted as the Germination centre of this movement. These Sattras of Assam has iconographical and symbolic significance. It is a place where monks and other people (devotees) recite or prayer God. Srimanta Sankardeva introduced this kind of icon in Assamese society, which was the place of not only the religious but also the place of mass education where the wide range of activities involved are conceived, rehearsed and performed. Various elements of mass education like bhaona, Satriya dance, painting, mask making etc., which later came to be reckoned as the marvels of Assamese culture, were the creation of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva. Though they were basically devised as accessories of mass attractions they ended up enriching the repository of the illustrious heritage of Assam lending it a stamp of singularity. Therefore, institution of Sattras is an inseparable reality from the very existence of Majuli. There are still about 20 of them strewn around over the entire island, each trying its best to keep the revered legacy alive and intact. As centres of learning they have made great contribution to the Assamese art, culture and literature, the most notable of which is the development and propagation of the Sttariya dance a recognized National Classical Dance of India. Rass Lila the lyrical depictions of the saga of lord Krishna, in the form of a ballet is performed every year in the sattras of Majuli during Rass Purnima period of November-December. The same ballet has been persisted with for over 450 years without any deviation from the original authenticity, both in style and content. The architecture of the Sattra is designed to severe symbolic meaning as Hindu temple architecture. It was a typical Assamese style, which is consist of Monikut (the sanctum), Kirtan Ghar (Prayer Hall) than Karapat entry of Kirtan Ghar and Hatis (quarter of Monks) are situated among the four walls. A Batsora (the entry porch) is a usual accompaniment to the main consistent. Besides this philosophical thoughts, the Sattra institution has been played important role in local Governance. The institute guided the social law, social crime and always maintains the unity of the people. The Sattradhikar (head of the institute) and management always work for welfare of people of people or society. The Democratic management system is also an important characteristic of this Sattra Institute.