Indian Political Thought: Themes and Thinkers | Third Edition | By Pearson

8

Sankaradeva: Cultural Reforms and Social Integration

—Nitumoni Kakati

Introduction

Sankaradeva (1449–1568), a great saint and social reformer, set the new edifice of Assamese society through his contributions to social, cultural and religious life. It is because of him that today the Assamese society is culturally equal, and has an identity of its own despite internal diversity. An embodiment of intellectual and cultural renaissance of enlightenment, his potent and all pervasive ideas have the undercurrent of his teachings in day-to-day life premised on compassion, brotherhood, nonviolence, oneness and integration. When Sankaradeva was born, Assam’s social, political and religious life was in transition due to political chaos and disorder. ...