A field study was conducted on 5th and 6th April, 2025 in the river island district of Assam, Majuli. The study was conducted to understand the socio-cultural and religious impact of the Satras on the local communities. Satras are monastic institutions established by the 15th-century saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva and are central to the propagation of Neo-Vaishnavism in Assam.
The study involved visits to several prominent Satras such as Kamalabari, Dakhinpat, and Garamur Satra. Interactions were held with Satradhikars (head monks), local devotees, youth, and artisans associated with the Satra ecosystem. Observations and interviews helped in understanding the deep-rooted influence of these institutions on daily life, education, and culture in Majuli.
The study revealed that Satras are not just religious institutions but living centres of Assamese heritage that continue to shape the cultural and spiritual identity of Majuli.
