A Sociological Analysis of Sattras and Namghars from Marxist Perspective

Authors

  • Mrinal Kumar Gogoi Research Scholar, Department of Sankaradeva Studies Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya,Nagaon, Assam https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9549-0338
  • Dayananda Pathak former Professor, Department of Sankaradeva Studies Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya,Nagaon,Assam

Keywords:

Sattra, Namghar, Egalitarian, Classless, Marxism

Abstract

Aim: This paper aims to identify sattras and namghars from a Marxist perspective. Srimanta Sankaradeva, the saint and social reformer of Assam, established these institutions in fifteenth-century Assam. Both exhibited the Marxist ideal of equality. The existing social conditions are located within relations through which particular meanings are standardized and held up as “good taste” in Marxist cultural theory. Marxism is about a classless society.

Methodology and Approach: The paper consults Marxist theory from a theoretical perspective and evaluates the role and significance of sattras and namghars. It analyzes both institutions under Marxist theoretical orientation. The paper is analytical, descriptive, and theoretical in nature.

Outcome: The research finds that Srimanta Sankaradeva, the reformer of Assam, attained spiritual perfection and regenerated society. He reinterpreted old religious doctrines to suit social needs.

Conclusion and Suggestions: Sattras and namghars preach the ideals of Eka-Sarana-Nama-Dharma, which embraces the doctrine that all humans are equal. The neo-Vaishnavite religion is founded not only on spirituality but also on the social message of unity and fraternity. There is a scope for future researchers to study this aspect of sattras and namghars from various other theoretical perspectives.

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Author Biography

Mrinal Kumar Gogoi, Research Scholar, Department of Sankaradeva Studies Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya,Nagaon, Assam

Mrinal Kumar Gogoi is a distinguished academic and administrator with a strong background in Social Work. He holds Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), where he secured the top position. Gogoi cleared the UGC NET in Social Work in the year 2015, showcasing his expertise. He had served as an Assistant Professor& HOD i/c, Dept. of Social Work in various college and universities. He also worked in Assam Medical College & Hospital (AMCH). Currently, he holds the position of Assistant Registrar, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya, Nagaon, Assam demonstrating his administrative capabilities. He’s a recipient of the Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Award, MSSV (2020-21). Gogoi has presented research papers in regional-national-international conferences and his research papers are published in reputed journals. He is a sincere, hardworking and dedicated professional.

Dayananda Pathak is a distinguished writer in Assamese and English. Starting his career in Assam Civil Service, he took to teaching in college and universities. He has translated five plays of Shakespeare into Assamese;six plays of Srimanta Sankaradeva; nine plays of Madhavdeva and three plays of Jyotiprasad Agarwalla to English. His translations of the plays of Sankaradeva are already being retranslated to French and Spanish from his English version, later enacted by the actors of France, England, Spain, UK and USA. He is a noted literary critic in Assamese, having to his credit a number of critical books. He was the Principal of Pragjyotish College, Guwahati. After that he joined as the Professor of English in University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya. Thereafter, he was the founder Professor of Sankardeva Studies in Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya, Nagaon. Right now, he is engaged as the Visiting Professor of Sankardeva Chair at Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Published

01.07.2025

How to Cite

1.
Mrinal Kumar Gogoi, Dayananda Pathak. A Sociological Analysis of Sattras and Namghars from Marxist Perspective. SPL J. Literary Hermeneutics: Biannu. Int. J. Indep. Crit. Think [Internet]. 2025 Jul. 1 [cited 2025 Oct. 26];5(2):317-23. Available from: https://literaryherm.org/index.php/ojs/article/view/289