Srimanta Sankardeva was a 15th–16th century saint, reformer, poet, and cultural icon from Assam who laid the foundations of Neo-Vaishnavism and Ekasarana Dharma, emphasising devotion to a single God, ethical living, and social equality over ritualism and caste hierarchy. He pioneered a powerful cultural renaissance through Borgeet, Bhaona, Ankia Naat, Namghar, and Sattras, which became enduring institutions of Assamese society. His movement promoted egalitarianism, women’s participation, and community worship, reshaping Assam’s religious and cultural identity. Sankardeva’s legacy continues to influence literature, music, theatre, and social reform across the region, making him one of the most transformative spiritual leaders in Indian history.
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Jyotiba Phule was a pioneering nineteenth-century social reformer who challenged caste hierarchy, gender discrimination and religious orthodoxy in Indian society. Born into the Mali community, he, along with Savitribai Phule, championed women’s education, opened schools for marginalised children and exposed the injustices of the caste order through influential works like Gulamgiri. In 1873, he founded the Satyashodhak Samaj to organise Shudras and Ati-Shudras, promote rational thought and challenge Brahminical dominance through egalitarian rituals, public education and social activism. His ideas profoundly shaped later movements led by B. R. Ambedkar and continue to influence contemporary struggles for equality, social justice and Bahujan empowerment in India.
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