Vaishnavism in Pre-Sankaradeva Assam: Its Forms and Practices

This research work is a comprehensive account of the emergence and proliferation of Vaishnavism in socio-religious context as well as its forms and practices that evident in the archaeological remains, literary and other sources of Pre-Sankaradeva Assam. The ideology of Vaishnavism was proliferated significantly in the land of Pre-Sankaradeva Assam. Taking a cue from the recent developments in the historiography, the present work is an attempt to trace the Vaishnavism in Pre-Sankaradeva Assam, its forms and practices and its impact on society and culture of the Brahmaputra valley till the 16th century AD.

This book investigates the rise of Vaishnavism in Pre-Sankaradeva Assam, focusing on its ideological evolution and socio-cultural impact. It examines the fusion of Vaishnavism with other contemporary sects such as Saivism and Saktism. Using both historical and empirical methods, the work explores Vaishnavism’s spread through the Brahmaputra Valley, its iconographic representations, and its influence on local religious practices. A comparative study between Pre-Sankaradeva Vaishnavism and Neo-Vaishnavism highlights doctrinal changes and cultural shifts, providing a comprehensive understanding of Vaishnavism’s role in shaping Assam’s religious landscape by the 16th century.

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