Barpeta Satra and its Economic Impact on the Society of Barpeta Town

Abstract

The most important characteristic of the Satra is that they are self sufficient. This was an imperative of the medieval economy, when self-sufficiency was considered a virtue. Srimanta Sankaradeva devised the model of Satra in such a manner that the residents of that complex did not have to depend on the outside world for any of their requirements, but it is to be noted that their lives were very simple. Barpeta Satra is the earliest and most influential Satra of Mahapurushiya sect (Sarma, 1999: 177) as well as the chief monasteries of Assam (Neog 1965 rprnt 2008: 137) which was established by Madhavadeva the chief disciple and apostle of Sankaradeva with proper help to Mathuradas Burha Ata (one of the chief followers of Madhavadeva and the first Satradhikar of Barpeta Satra) in 1504 Sakaabda (Pathak, 1959 rprnt 2006: 12). The people of Barpeta live in different hatis are closely related with the Satra and the Satra has lots of impacts like- social, religious, political economic etc. among the people living in the society of Barpeta. This paper is a humble attempt to study the economic impact of Barpeta Satra to the society of Barpeta town.