Introduction
Education is the soul of any civilization, and in India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, few figures have contributed as profoundly as Srimanta Sankardev (1449–1568). A saint, poet, dramatist, social reformer, and philosopher, Sankardev was the architect of the Neo-Vaishnavite Movement in Assam, which not only transformed the spiritual life of the people but also reshaped the educational landscape.
His philosophy of education was deeply rooted in morality, spirituality, equality, and cultural refinement. He believed that true education must build character, instill devotion to God, and unite people through love and service. Sankardev’s educational ideals remain relevant even today, offering lessons for value-based, inclusive, and holistic learning.
1. Historical Background and Life of Srimanta Sankardev
Srimanta Sankardev was born in 1449 AD at Alipukhuri near Bordowa in Nagaon district of Assam. From an early age, he displayed exceptional intelligence and a thirst for knowledge. He received formal education at the Tol (traditional school) of Mahendra Kandali, where he mastered Sanskrit literature, philosophy, and scriptures.
However, Sankardev’s understanding of education went beyond academic learning. He envisioned an education that cultivated intellectual growth, moral integrity, spiritual awareness, and social harmony.
Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly to spread the message of Ekasarana Dharma (Neo-Vaishnavism) — the devotion to one God, Vishnu (Krishna), through love and service. His educational institutions, religious centers, art, and literature were all designed to nurture these values among the masses.
2. Philosophical Foundation of Sankardev’s Educational Thought
Sankardev’s philosophy of education was based on humanism, spirituality, and universal brotherhood. His ideas were influenced by the Bhakti Movement and the Upanishadic concept of self-realization. He believed education should help individuals realize their inner potential and serve society selflessly.
Core Philosophical Principles:
Spiritual Development:
True education must awaken the soul and connect the learner with divine consciousness.Moral and Ethical Living:
Education should cultivate virtues like honesty, kindness, humility, and compassion.Equality and Inclusiveness:
Sankardev opposed caste discrimination and believed education should be accessible to all, irrespective of social background.Integration of Art and Literature:
He promoted education through music, drama, and poetry, making learning enjoyable and creative.Community-Centered Learning:
His institutions, such as Namghars and Satras, became centers for both religious and educational activities.
3. Educational Philosophy of Srimanta Sankardev
a) Aim of Education
Sankardev’s ultimate goal of education was self-realization and social harmony.
He viewed education as a tool for:
Developing moral character
Promoting devotion (Bhakti) and spiritual wisdom
Building a just and united society
Encouraging intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic growth
His vision aligned with the idea that “Education without morality is meaningless.”
b) Nature of Education
Sankardev advocated for holistic education that combined:
Intellectual training (through literature, philosophy, and logic)
Moral instruction (through scriptures and devotional songs)
Aesthetic refinement (through music, dance, and drama)
Social education (through communal prayers and cultural gatherings)
Thus, education was not confined to classrooms but extended to daily life and community interaction.
c) Curriculum According to Sankardev
Sankardev’s curriculum was both religious and practical in nature. It included:
Scriptural studies: Bhagavata Purana, Ramayana, and Gita.
Language and literature: Assamese and Sanskrit.
Performing arts: Music, dance (Borgeet and Sattriya Nritya), and drama (Ankiya Naat).
Ethics and values: Teachings on honesty, compassion, and devotion.
Social learning: Participation in community service and collective worship.
His educational framework emphasized the integration of head, heart, and hand—a concept later echoed by Mahatma Gandhi.
d) Method of Teaching
Sankardev believed in learning through participation and learning by doing. His methods were interactive and experiential.
Teaching Techniques:
Storytelling and Narration:
He used religious stories and parables to teach moral lessons.Music and Drama:
His plays and songs were tools for both entertainment and education.Dialogue and Discussion:
Encouraged intellectual debates and discussions on religious and social issues.Observation and Example:
Sankardev taught by example—his life was a living lesson in humility, faith, and service.
e) Role of the Teacher
For Sankardev, a teacher was not just an instructor but a spiritual guide.
He emphasized that teachers must:
Possess moral integrity and devotion.
Lead by example.
Treat all students with equality and love.
Inspire learners towards truth, service, and spirituality.
In his educational philosophy, the teacher-student relationship was sacred—a bond of trust, respect, and guidance.
f) Role of the Student
Students, according to Sankardev, were seekers of truth and virtue. They were expected to:
Approach learning with humility and discipline.
Respect teachers and elders.
Practice devotion, self-control, and social responsibility.
Contribute to the well-being of the community.
4. Educational Institutions Established by Sankardev
a) Namghar (Prayer Hall)
The Namghar served as both a religious and educational center.
Here, people of all backgrounds gathered to:
Learn religious scriptures.
Discuss moral values.
Sing devotional songs (Nam-Prasanga).
Develop community cooperation and unity.
Namghars remain vital centers for informal education and cultural transmission in Assam even today.
b) Satra (Monastic Institution)
Sankardev and his followers established Satras, which functioned as residential centers for learning, culture, and spirituality.
Educational Roles of Satras:
Provided formal and moral education.
Trained disciples in performing arts like Sattriya dance, Ankiya Naat, and Borgeet.
Encouraged manuscript writing and preservation of scriptures.
Promoted discipline, cleanliness, and self-reliance among learners.
Satras can be regarded as early forms of gurukulas and modern educational institutions in Assam.
5. Contributions of Srimanta Sankardev to the Development of Education
Srimanta Sankardev’s contributions extend beyond spirituality and literature. His ideas deeply influenced the educational and cultural development of Assam.
1. Promotion of Universal Education
Sankardev believed education should be accessible to everyone, irrespective of caste, gender, or class. He admitted people from all communities into his fold and taught them equally — a revolutionary step in 15th-century India.
2. Development of Vernacular Education
He emphasized teaching in the Assamese language, making education more inclusive and relatable.
His translations of religious texts into Assamese made knowledge accessible to the common people, laying the foundation of vernacular education in Assam.
3. Integration of Art and Education
Sankardev used music, dance, and drama as powerful educational tools.
His creations like Ankiya Naat (one-act plays) and Borgeet (devotional songs) were designed to teach moral and spiritual values through art — blending aesthetics with learning.
4. Moral and Value-Based Education
Sankardev’s educational philosophy was grounded in morality and ethics.
He taught that true education should lead to self-purification, compassion, truthfulness, and devotion to God.
5. Establishment of Educational Institutions
Through Namghars and Satras, he institutionalized learning.
These centers became hubs of religious instruction, art, literature, and community service — nurturing both intellectual and moral growth.
6. Women’s Education and Empowerment
Although society was conservative, Sankardev encouraged women’s participation in religious and cultural activities. His followers included women devotees and performers, marking a progressive step toward gender inclusion in education.
7. Contribution to Literature and Knowledge
Sankardev was a prolific writer who created a vast body of literature including the Bhakti Ratnakar, Kirtan Ghosha, Ankiya Naat, and Borgeet.
His works became curricular resources in Satras and Namghars and continue to inspire literary and educational study.
6. Relevance of Sankardev’s Educational Philosophy in Modern Times
Srimanta Sankardev’s ideas remain timeless. In today’s world of materialism and moral decline, his emphasis on value-based, inclusive, and holistic education is more relevant than ever.
Modern Relevance:
Value Education: His teachings promote ethical and moral development in students.
Cultural Education: Encourages respect for heritage and artistic learning.
Inclusive Education: Aligns with the modern principle of “Education for All.”
Life Skills: Encourages cooperation, empathy, and community living.
Holistic Approach: Balances intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Educational reforms inspired by Sankardev’s vision could help nurture responsible, compassionate, and enlightened citizens.
Conclusion
Srimanta Sankardev was not only a religious reformer but a visionary educator who revolutionized the concept of learning in Assam. His educational philosophy emphasized morality, equality, spirituality, and community life.
Through his institutions, literature, and cultural contributions, he sowed the seeds of an educational system that nurtures both the mind and the soul.
In the age of digital education and global competition, Sankardev’s ideals remind us that true education lies not in the accumulation of facts, but in the formation of character and the enlightenment of the spirit.
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