International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Neo- Vaishnavite Movement and Assamese Society: Special Reference to Sankardeva

The Assamese society is the assimilation and amalgamation of diverse culture, language, religion, customs and traditions evolving through different opportunities and challenges. From the pre- historic era, this land is the witness of numerous great leaders, who have been contributing for the rich Assamese culture, literature, art and heritage. Srimanta Sankardeva was a multifaceted genius of modern Assam. Through introducing Neo- Vaishnavite Movement in Assam, he tries to enrich the Assamese culture by dispelling the darkness of ignorance, cruel, intolerance, and prejudices that were prevalent at his time. Saktism and Tantrism dominated the socio-religious landscape of medieval Assam, and the results of these religious cults include intolerance, social hierarchy, untouchability, and the degrading of human dignity. By abolishing the social hindrances, he created different mechanisms for the acculturation and spiritual elevation of the various social groups, i.e., racial peace, and established the groundwork for brotherhood and a greater Assamese society. Regardless of caste, creed, class he revived the ethos, culture, society, and concept of Bor Asom, encompassing all multiethnic groups. Through this study, an attempt is made to highlight the socio- cultural background of mediaeval Assam. Another purpose of this paper is to analyse the role of Neo- Vaishnavite movement lead by Srimanta Sankardeva for the enrichment of society and culture of Bor Asom.