The Impact of Srimanta Sankaradeva Among the Muslims of Assam

Author(s): Dr. Indrani Deka and Mirza Abdur Rohim Mollah

Abstract:

Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva is one of the towering personalities of Assamese culture, literature and social life who brought about renaissance in Assam in the medieval period. A versatile genius Srimanta Sankaradeva was the founder of the Neo Vaishnavite movement in Assam. He was a great innovator and social organiser who reorganised the Assamese society which wasplagued by numorous social ills and superstitions. At the organizational level, he tried to bridge the gap between different castes and communities in society. This included all the ethnic communities including the Muslims. An ideal example Srimanta Sankaradeva liberal attitude is his Muslim disciple namely Chansai. At Srimanta Sankaradeva’s initiative a number of Thanas and Namghars were established for preaching “Exa Sarana Nama Dharma” which gave opportunity of all the people in society to come together under one roof irrespective of caste, creed or religions belief. This secular thought enshrined in the teaching of Srimanta Sankaradeva has inspired the Muslim masses of Assam to express their respect towards great social reformer and saint of Assam by lighting candles in many Satras, Namghars in Assam. It symbolises the social unity and integrity among different religiouns in Assamese society. At same holy shrines in Assam where this religious influence is being seen till date, there the custom exists where both the Hindus and Muslims meet together for greater social welfare and good will among all members of both religious community. Srimanta Sankaradeva welcomed disciples from all sects of society including the indigenous tribes and Muslims into his fold and placed them all in equal footing. This Research Paper is an attempt to throw light on these significant aspects of the personality of Srimanta Sankaradeva.

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