What I propose to submit in this lecture is an analysis from my point of view about medieval Indian theatre, supported by evidence in the realm of different Indian traditions. I will certainly revise my views in the light of new elements, which come to my sight. I will have to analyse different traditions minutely …
Place of Ankiyā Bhāonā in the medieval Indian Theatre Read More »
Saint Srimanta Sankaradeva, who lived from 1449 to 1568 AD founded the Vaishnavite order Eka Sarana Nāma Dharma. He preached devotion to the supreme entity, lord Krishna. All devotees of that supreme entity are considered as equal entities in his order. It was a classless and casteless social order that the saint preached. All devotees received …
Srimanta Sankaradeva, the father of Assamese nation, was an extra-ordinary person, who excelled in almost all areas of knowledge. His contributions not only made the foundations of Assamese literature, culture and social structure, but also established the super-structures thereupon. It goes without saying that all contributions of Srimanta Sankaradeva bear his marks distinctively. His influence was …
Originality of Srimanta Sankaradeva’s contributions Read More »
Art is a way of expressing one’s ideas in aesthetically appealing forms. These include sculptures, paintings, masks, carvings, murals, illustrations etc. It was therefore quite natural that Srimanta Sankaradeva, the father of Assamese literature and culture used this medium to a large extent for his proselytizing activities. The Kirtanghar established by him came to be embellished …
The performance of the Ankiyā plays authored by Srimanta Sankaradeva and Madhavadeva is known as Bhāonā. Many plays have been written since then by different Assamese playwrights in the style of the Ankiyā plays composed by these two doyens of Assamese literature and culture. But these later compositions are not called Ankiyā play. So Ankiyā …
Symbolism is a style of representing any particular idea by using symbols. These symbols are endowed with additional meanings apart from their literal meaning. Symbols enable reader or audience to grasp something beyond what is traditionally conveyed by the symbols. The symbol communicates something beyond itself. A symbol is a visible object with which the …
Srimanta Sankaradeva (1449-1568 AD) was a leading playwright of Assam as well as India. He set several world records as a playwright and director. His maiden play Chihna yatra launched the movement of regional plays in the modern Indian languages. This play was enacted in 1468 AD at Tembuwani (Bardowa).1 Unfortunately no script of this …
Madhavadeva’s father Govinda Bhuyan was an accountant of Pratap Rai, the king of Banduka, presently in Rangpur district of Bangladesh. Forefather of Govinda had earlier migrated from Kannauj along with other Bhuyans. Govinda married a girl named Anuchita in Banduka. Anuchita died at an early age leaving an infant son, Damodar. When Damodar grew up, Govinda …
Srimanta Sankaradeva was a stalwart who strode over the cultural scenario of Assam for more than a century during his life-time in the medieval period. But more importantly, he continues to influence the cultural world even four and a half centuries after his demise. Madhavadeva, Ram Rai, Narayanadas Thakur, Damodaradeva, Ananta Kandali, Ram Saraswati, Kanthabhushana, …
Srimanta Sankaradeva founded a new order named Eka Sarana Nâma Dharma. This nomenclature itself defines his ideology. Eka Sarana means refuge in one entity alone. That is none but lord Krishna, who is identified with the supreme absolute Brahman in this order.1 This idea of taking refuge in only one entity precludes worship of any …
Special features of Srimanta Sankaradeva’s institution and practices Read More »
Location: Nagaon, Assam, India
