Reviving Batadrava: A Cultural Renaissance for Assam

The Significance of Batadrava

Batadrava holds a deep spiritual and emotional significance for the people of Assam. This revered site is recognized as the birthplace of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, a pivotal figure in shaping the cultural identity of Assam.

Sankardeva was instrumental in linking Assam to the larger Indian civilization, as noted by Birinchi Kumar Barua, who remarked that the idea of India as a motherland was envisioned by Sankardeva centuries ago. He instilled a sense of pride in the Assamese people regarding their heritage and the spiritual richness of Bharatvarsha.

His literary works celebrate India, with the Bhakti Ratnakar featuring a chapter titled ‘Bharat Bhu-Prashansa’—In Praise of the Land of Bharat. Phrases like ‘Bharate manushya tonu kata punye pai’ reflect the deep reverence that Vaishnavite saints had for Bharatvarsha.

Dr. Maheswar Neog highlighted Sankardeva's extensive travels across India, where he absorbed various spiritual influences, leading to the emergence of a renewed form of devotion known as Bhakti, which prioritized inner spirituality over external rituals.

Challenges to Assam's Cultural Identity

Despite its historical significance, Batadrava has faced severe threats to its identity over the years. Continuous immigration from Bengali Muslims has posed a significant challenge to the cultural core of Assamese life.

Under various Congress administrations, large areas of this sacred land were illegally occupied, transforming the birthplace of Sankardeva into a site of demographic tension.

Encroachers, often supported by political powers, seized lands belonging to satras and namghars, which are vital to Assamese culture. This systematic assault aimed to undermine Sanatan culture and replace it with an alien identity.

The satras founded by Sankardeva and Madhavdeva, which serve as cultural and spiritual hubs, have faced unprecedented threats, jeopardizing Assam's identity, language, and collective dignity.

A report from the Assam Sattra Land Review and Examination Commission revealed that over 15,289 bighas of satra land were encroached upon, with Barpeta alone accounting for 7,137 bighas. This pattern of encroachment was evident across various districts, leading to the permanent loss of many satras and naamghars.

Government Initiatives for Cultural Preservation

The BJP-led NDA government is dedicated to preserving Assam's cultural heritage. In the Assam Vision Document 2016–2025, the party pledged to reclaim lands belonging to Assam's satras and other cultural institutions from illegal encroachment.

This commitment was reiterated in the 2021 Assembly Election Manifesto, which promised to restore the lands of satras and indigenous worship sites. Additionally, financial support of Rs. 2.5 lakh was promised to every namghar and indigenous worship site in the state.

Concrete actions have been taken to reclaim these lands, alongside initiatives aimed at revitalizing Assam's cultural and civilizational life.

In the 2021-22 budget, specific measures were announced for the development of Batadrava Thaan, with an estimated project cost of Rs 188 crore, aimed at transforming it into a center for art, culture, research, and spirituality.

The Batadrava Cultural Project

Following the Chief Minister's oath, a significant eviction drive was conducted in December 2022 to remove encroachers from Batadrava, the sacred birthplace of Sankardeva.

The Borduwa Cultural Project, with a budget of Rs 227 crore, aims to establish Batadrava as a premier cultural and tourist destination, reflecting the ideals and artistic heritage of Mahapurush Sankardeva.

The project spans 165 bighas and is designed in the shape of a tree, with the Guru Asana at its center, symbolizing interconnectedness. It incorporates traditional Assamese architecture and cultural motifs, showcasing the life of Sankardeva.

Facilities include an exhibition on Lord Krishna, a theater for cultural performances, and accommodations for tourists, along with health services and amenities to enhance visitor experience.

Additional features such as a viewing tower, walkways, and parking areas have also been integrated into the project, positioning Batadrava as a national and international hub for cultural and spiritual tourism.

A Call for Unity

The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, is set to inaugurate this landmark project, reflecting his deep commitment to Assam. The preservation of Assam's identity is crucial, and the people must unite against any form of cultural aggression.

Attempts to distort history by renaming Sankardeva-Madhavdeva's sacred land will not be tolerated. On this momentous occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to protecting Assam's cultural and spiritual heritage.