Importance of Auniati Sattra in the Sattra Culture of Assam: A brief overview.

Abstract

Sattra is a unique structure of the neo-vaishnavite movement initiated by SrimantaSankardev which was introduced to propagate the ideals of neo-vaishnavism around 500 years ago. The Sattra institutions contributed immensely to the socio-cultural and spiritual development of assamese people. The Sattra are not just monasteries, but centres of traditional performing arts. The songs and dances initiated by Shri Sankardev, such as Borgeet, Bhatima, Jumura, Chali, Paalnaam, Apsara, Satriya etc. are taught and prmoted here apart from numerous other crafts, of which making is particularly significant. Sankar deva established the institution “Satra” for socio religious reform of the society. Starting its journey in 16th century, the institution still continues with ups and downs in phrases of history.
Before the Sankardeva there were no cultural unnity in Asssam. The Vaishnava Sattras had attracted the isolated classes of society and under the direct patronage of Sattras they had been able to form of unity in one platform. So Satra is an important institution for Assamese people. This study dwells to analyse the Sattras in Assam which is called Satriya Culture.