Recontextualising Sattras In Contemporary Assam: From Bhakti-Centric Institutions to Cultural and Touristic Landscapes

Abstract

This paper critically examines the evolving role of the Sattras of Assam, reinterpreting their historical and religious foundations through the lens of contemporary cultural and economic transformations. Established as spiritual and socio-cultural institutions rooted in the Bhakti movement initiated by Srimanta Sankaradeva, Sattras have long served as custodians of Neo-Vaishnavite doctrine, Assamese identity, and indigenous art forms. However, in recent decades, these institutions have experienced a paradigmatic shift, increasingly engaging with cultural tourism, heritage commodification, and state-sponsored promotion. This study adopts an exploratory and secondary data-based methodology, integrating a range of qualitative and quantitative sources, including government tourism data, cultural heritage reports, and previous ethnographic studies, to trace the multifaceted trajectory of Sattras. The paper presents visual analyses such as trend graphs, comparative bar charts, and a correlation model to illustrate the interplay between cultural preservation and economic imperatives. In doing so, it interrogates whether the integration of Sattras into the touristic economy enhances or dilutes their spiritual and cultural significance. The findings contribute to broader discussions on the sustainability of sacred institutions in the context of the modern cultural economy, offering insights into policy design, heritage management, and religious institutional resilience in Northeast India.