The Neo-Vaishnavite movement initiated by Sankaradeva (1449-1568) in Assam was a part of the larger Pan-Indian resurgence of Bhakti (unflinching devotion) in medieval India that spanned nearly a little over five centuries from the devotional cult of Alvars in Tamilnadu to the teaching of Ramanuja ,Nimbarka, Madhavacharya, Caitnya, Kabir, Guru Nanak, Jagannath Das and others. Sankaradeva was an extraordinary gifted man, widely travelled ,sound in traditional Sanskrit learning,poet,playwright , musician par excellence. In order to educate the common people ,he translated the complicated Sanskrit text into Assamese. He introduced Brajavali, a language mixed with Assamese,Hindi,Odia and Maithali, which also fostered the cause of affinity with the vaishavite propaganda that was that was taking place outside Asaam (Assam,Kamata Kamrup). The saint innovated democratic institution like Namghar, Satra, composed and staged Ankia Nat,t he famous Bargeets, Bhatima etc. To preach the Bhakti Dharma Sankaradeva created a number of literature in the form of verses, dramas and songs.

The present seminar is an attempt to bring out the contribution of Sankaradeva and Madhabadeva to the arena of culture.