Sankari Music Of Assam – Origin, History, Borgeet & Satriya Tradition
About Sankari Music Of Assam – Origin, History, Borgeet & Satriya Tradition
Sankari Music of Assam is a classical and devotional musical tradition introduced by the 15th-century saint, scholar, and reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva. Rooted deeply in the Eka Sarana Nama Dharma movement, this musical form represents a fusion of Assamese folk melodies, tribal rhythms, and ancient Vedic musical traditions. It stands apart from Hindustani and Carnatic music due to its unique structure, melodic identity, spiritual depth, and cultural ethos.
At the heart of Sankari music lies Borgeet, the soulful devotional songs composed in the Brajavali language. These compositions follow a distinct set of ragas and talas that are not found in other Indian classical traditions. Many of these ragas were influenced by indigenous communities such as the Bodos, Misings, Karbis, and Rabhas, which makes Sankari music inherently Assamese yet spiritually universal.
The performance of Sankari music is closely associated with Satriya dance, Ankiya Naat (Sankari plays), and the traditional monastic institutions known as Sattras. The interplay of Gayan (singers) and Bayan (instrumentalists), the rhythmic resonance of the Khol, cymbals, and other indigenous instruments create a rich, divine ambiance during performances.
Sankari music also reflects the cultural synthesis of Assam, drawing elements from Ojapali, Bihu dance, tribal worship forms, and ancient ritualistic movements. Its lyrical beauty, disciplined structure, meditative progression, and spiritual intention make it one of the most refined cultural assets of Assam. Today, the tradition continues to thrive in Sattras, cultural institutes, and global platforms, representing Assam’s devotional identity and its rich classical heritage.
Quick Info Table on Sankari Music of Assam
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | 15th century Assam, founded by Srimanta Sankaradeva |
| Core Element | Borgeet (devotional songs) |
| Associated Dance | Satriya dance |
| Music Structure | Unique Assamese ragas & talas |
| Primary Instruments | Khol, Taal, Bhor-Taal, Sarengda |
| Language of Songs | Brajavali |
| Cultural Base | Neo-Vaishnavite movement |
| Performance Areas | Sattras, Namghars, cultural festivals |
| Influences | Tribal music, Ojapali, Bihu, Vedic traditions |
| Significance | One of India’s oldest classical music systems |
FAQs on Sankari Music of Assam
1. What is Sankari Music of Assam?
Sankari Music is a classical devotional music system created by Srimanta Sankaradeva, featuring Borgeet, unique ragas, talas, and Satriya traditions.
2. Who composed the Borgeet of Sankari music?
Borgeet was composed by Srimanta Sankaradeva and his disciple Madhabdev in the Brajavali language.
3. How is Sankari music different from Hindustani and Carnatic music?
It follows its own raga-tala system, uses indigenous instruments, and is deeply linked with Satriya dance and Ankiya Naat dramas.
4. What are the main instruments used in Sankari music?
The Khol, Taal (cymbals), Bhor-Taal, Sarengda, and other traditional Assamese instruments.
5. What is the role of Gayan-Bayan in Sankari music?
Gayan are singers and Bayan are musicians who perform together during Borgeet and Satriya presentations.
6. Which dance form is associated with Sankari music?
Satriya dance, also created by Srimanta Sankaradeva, is closely linked to Sankari music.
7. Where did Sankari music originate?
It originated in the Sattras (Vaishnavite monasteries) of Assam during the 15th century.
8. What language is used in Borgeet?
Borgeet is composed in Brajavali, a literary blend of Assamese and Maithili elements.
9. Is Sankari music performed outside Sattras?
Yes, it is now performed in cultural festivals, academic institutions, and international stages.
10. How did tribal culture influence Sankari music?
Srimanta Sankaradeva incorporated rhythms, dance movements, and melodic ideas from Bodo, Mising, Karbi, and other tribal communities.