Sankardev Sishu Niketan
Sankardev Sishu Niketan is an educational institution in Assam, inspired by Srimanta Sankardev’s teachings. It promotes Assamese culture, moral values, and quality education, fostering holistic development among students.
The World’s Largest Riverine Island
Q.1. Why is it difficult to ascertain the year of creation of Majuli ?
Answer : It is difficult to ascertain the year of creation of Majuli, due to lack of sufficient, convincing and authentic records.
Q.2. How many stars were originally set up in Majuli ?
Answer : There are 65 stars were originally set up in Majuli.
Q.3. How many satras currently exist in Majuli ?
Answer : There are 22 satras currently exist in Majuli.
Q.4. What is the present density of population in Majuli ?
Answer : The present density of population in Majuli is 362.
Q.5. What is Samaguri Satra famous for ?
Answer : Samaguri Satra is famous for Mask making.
Short Type
Q.1. What do you understand by ‘Manikanchan Sanyog’ ?
Answer : The occasion of meeting two great Vaishnavite saints-
Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhabdeva at Dhowahat in Majuli river island is called ‘Manikanchan Sanyog’.
Q.2. Where did Sankardeva meet his disciple Madhabdeva ?
Answer : Srimanta Sankardeva met Madhabdeva at Dhowahat in Belguri.
Q.3. What is a typical satra made up of ?
Answer : A typical satra is made up of Namghar, Manikut, Gurugriha, Karapat, Atithishala, Natyasala and Bhogghar.
The satras have a good collection of ancient manuscripts, utensils, jewellery and handicrafts. Satras are famous for various kinds of performing arts and crafts.
Q.4. What is ‘Eksarana Dharma’ ?
Answer : The doctrine of Sankardeva’s own brand of Vaishnavism is called ‘Eksarana Dharma’.
Essay Type
1. What does Majuli mean ? Write a few lines on the origin of Majuli.
Answer : Majuli is the largest riverine island of the world, which is located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. The name “Majuli” is believed to have originated from the Assamese words “ma” (land) and “juli” (a place between two parallel rivers). Historically, Majuli was formed due to the changing course of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries over centuries. Once part of the mainland, erosion gradually separated it, creating the island. Majuli has been a cultural and spiritual hub, especially for Neo-Vaishnavism, introduced by the saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century. It is renowned for its satras (monasteries), traditional art, and scenic beauty.
2. Describe the satras with special reference to this lesson.
Answer : In the lesson ‘The World’s Largest Riverine Island’ we have read lots of things about Majuli Satra. The satras of Majuli are religious and cultural institutions established by the saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century to promote Neo-Vaishnavism. These monasteries serve as centers of spiritual learning, art, music, and dance. As mentioned in The World’s Largest Riverine Island, Majuli is home to several satras, including Auniati, Kamalabari, and Dakhinpat, which preserve Assamese traditions. Monks, known as bhakats, reside in these satras, dedicating their lives to devotion and discipline. The satras play a crucial role in sustaining the island’s cultural heritage, attracting pilgrims and tourists while keeping alive the teachings of Sankardeva.
3. Write in brief about the performing art, the major art and craft of satras in Majuli.
Answer : Regarding the performing art, the major art and craft of satras in Majuli we have get lots of things in this chapter ‘The World’s Largest Riverine Island’. The satras of Majuli are renowned for their rich performing arts, particularly Bhaona, a traditional dance-drama introduced by Srimanta Sankardeva to depict religious stories. Sattriya dance, a classical Indian dance form, also originated here and is performed by monks (bhakats) with devotional music. The satras are also known for their unique art and craft, including mask-making, manuscript painting, and clay sculpture. Majuli’s artisans create vibrant masks used in Bhaona performances, reflecting mythology and folklore. As highlighted in The World’s Largest Riverine Island, these artistic traditions preserve Assamese culture and attract visitors seeking spiritual and cultural experiences.
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