Nagaon: In a significant stride for the preservation of Assam’s spiritual history, a monumental volume titled “Satra’s Cultural Foundation” was unveiled today at Batadrava Than, the hallowed birthplace of the saint-reformer Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva. The publication marks the most exhaustive effort to date in documenting the intricate traditions of one of India’s most vibrant monastic legacies (Batadrava Than Heritage).
A 550-Page Cultural Vault
The large-format book meticulously archives the Chaidhya Prasanga, the fourteen segments of daily devotional services, which have been performed at Batadrava for centuries. Spanning 550 pages, the work serves as a definitive guide to the cultural nuances of the Shaluguri and Narowa Satras, the two primary monastic units of the region, detailing their history, living practices, and ancestral traditions.
The volume offers a rare glimpse into the technical grammar of the Sattriya arts, a classical tradition of music and dance, by providing notations for:
24 Khol compositions: Rhythmic arrangements for the traditional terracotta drum.
4 Dhumuhis: Specialized, high-intensity rhythmic patterns.
64 Talas: The foundational rhythmic cycles that govern Assamese devotional music.
7 Dhemalis: The elaborate orchestral preludes performed on drums and cymbals.
Additionally, the book features over 120 dance rhythmic patterns and a structured cultural encyclopedia, making it an indispensable resource for scholars and artists alike.
Preserving a Fading Legacy
The book is the lifework of Ranjit Mahanta, a renowned artist and researcher, whose dedication stemmed from a desire to rescue nearly 500-year-old traditions from the brink of obscurity. By converting the oral and experiential knowledge of the elders into a written record, Mahanta has ensured that the “Bordowa style” remains accessible to future generations.
The formal unveiling took place during a national seminar at Batadrava Sri Sri Sankardeva Mahavidyalaya, a premier local institution. The honor of releasing the book was given to Professor Sebastian Velassery, an eminent philosopher and retired faculty member of Panjab University, who praised the work’s scholarly depth.
A Milestone in Literature
Academicians and cultural custodians have hailed the publication as a landmark in Assamese cultural literature. By documenting the Satra tradition, the unique Vaishnavite monastic system of Assam, Mahanta has provided a lasting testament to the spiritual and artistic grandeur of the region.
National Philosophical Conclave Unites Shankara and Sankardeva’s Thought at Batadrava