What are Sattras?

In Context: Recently, it was noticed that politicians started going to different Sattras to seek blessings or extolling the virtues of Sankardeva, especially in the run-up to Assam Assembly elections.

About Sattras

• Sattras are monastic institutions created as part of the 16th-century Neo-Vaishnavite reformist movement started by Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva.
  • As the saint travelled across Assam, spreading his teachings and propagating an egalitarian society.

• These Sattras/Thans were established as centres of religious, social and cultural reforms in the 16th century.

• Sattras are spread across the state, promulgating Sankardeva’s unique “worship through art” approach with music (borgeet), dance (sattriya) and theatre (bhauna).
• Each Sattra has a naamghar (worship hall) as its nucleus and is headed by an influential “Sattradhikar”.
• Monks, known as bhakats, are inducted into Sattras at a young age.
  • They may or may not be celibate, depending on the kind of Sattra they are inducted into.
• There are about 900 Sattras across Assam, but the main centres are Bordowa (Nagaon), Majuli and Barpeta.
• These institutions are of paramount importance and lie at the heart of Assamese culture.

The relationship between the Sattra and the State

• During the Ahom reign, the Sattras received a lot of donations in the form of land or money from the kings.
• Annual grants from the state and central government are doled out to Sattras, in the hope for political support.”

Sattras Role in Election

• While Sattra votes may not decide the outcome of an election, it is undeniable that the Sattras and Sattradhikars have a lot of influence, especially in Sattra-based constituencies like Nagaon, Kaliabor, Majuli, Barpeta, Bartadadrva etc. Assamese families usually have ties with one Sattra, or the other.
• That is why politicians — regardless of party, whether BJP or Congress — are often seen visiting Sattra.

Source:IE