Sattras of Assam
- Origins: Rooted in the Bhakti movement led by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva and Mahapurush Sri Sri Madhavadeva.
- Role in Assamese Society: Served as centers for spiritual and cultural renaissance, preserving Sattriya traditions.
- Types of Sattras: Among various sattras, Udasin Sattras hold a unique position as celibate monastic institutions. Ex: Auniati Satra
The Udasin Sattras
- Location: Primarily concentrated in Majuli, the world’s largest river island, with some in Jorhat.
- Residents:
- Around 700 udasin bhakats in Assam, with 560 in Majuli.
- Bhakats reside in bohas (residential quarters) under the guidance of a Burha Bhakat or Guardian Bhakat.
- Core Practices:
- Spiritual discipline, prayer, and rituals.
- Preservation of Sattriya music, dance, and literature.
- These celibate monastic institutions, house udasin bhakats – young and old men who dedicate themselves to a disciplined life of spiritual practice and service. Their presence keeps alive the philosophy and rituals of the Sattriya way of life.
Challenges to Udasin Sattras
Aging Population
- 59% of bhakats are over 56 years old, while only 7% are between 16-30 years.
- Younger generations are reluctant to adopt the Sattriya monastic lifestyle.
Decline in Active Practitioners
- Only 50% of bhakats practice the full spectrum of Sattriya traditions.
- Shift from full-time monastic life to alternative livelihoods (e.g., private tuition in Sattriya arts).
Economic Challenges
- Sattras were traditionally self-sustaining through agriculture, but modern economic shifts have led to financial instability.
- Lack of funding for rituals, maintenance, and manuscript preservation.
Institutional Vacancies
- Only 3-4% of crucial positions are filled, leading to a weakened institutional structure.
Changing Family Structures
- Earlier, multiple children from families joined sattras, but with family planning, affluence, and joint family decline, fewer young boys are enrolling.
Government and Institutional Interventions
Srimanta Foundation’s Representation (2023-24)
- Submitted recommendations to:
- Sixth Schedule Committee of Assam (headed by Justice (Retd) Biplab Sharma).
- Sattras Ayog and other government agencies.
Proposed Measures
- Scholarships & Fellowships: Financial aid for young bhakats to encourage continuity in monastic life.
- Economic Support: Funding for sattras to maintain rituals, preserve manuscripts, and support bhakats.
- Directorate of Sattra Affairs: A State-run body to oversee sattra development while maintaining autonomy.
- Sattra Samanvay Samiti: A coordination committee to regulate and preserve authentic Sattriya traditions.
- Residential School in Majuli:
- Integrating modern education with Sattriya practices under the State Board (SEBA).
- Designed like traditional tols with eco-friendly infrastructure.
The Way Forward
- State Government’s Role: Implement policy-based support for financial sustainability and institutional strengthening.
- Cultural Safeguarding: Prevent dilution of Sattriya traditions by ensuring authenticity in performances.
- Community Engagement: Encourage societal efforts to sustain sattras through donations, awareness, and participation.
The Udasin Sattras stand at a crossroads, with declining enrollment and economic challenges threatening their existence.
- Strategic interventions, including policy support, financial aid, and educational reforms, are crucial to ensuring their survival.
- Preserving these monastic institutions is not just about tradition but about safeguarding Assam’s cultural and spiritual identity.
