Economic Perspectives in the Teachings of Srimanta Sankaradeva and Their Contemporary Relevance

Author(s)	Dr. Bijoy Kumar Nath
Country	India
Abstract	Srimanta Sankaradeva (1449–1568), the eminent saint-scholar and social reformer of medieval Assam, is widely acknowledged for his contributions to religion, literature, and culture. However, his economic thought, though not articulated in the form of a formal economic theory, is deeply rooted in his Neo-Vaishnavite philosophy and social practices. Sankaradeva’s economic ideas emphasize ethical living, social equality, collective welfare, and the dignity of labour. Through the institutions of the Namghar and Satra, he promoted community-based economic activities, sharing of resources, and cooperative living, which helped reduce social and economic disparities. His stress on moderation, non-accumulation of wealth, and moral use of resources reflects an early concern for sustainable and inclusive development. Moreover, his rejection of caste-based discrimination and emphasis on productive engagement of all sections of society contributed to a more egalitarian economic order. This abstract explores the core elements of Sankaradeva’s economic thought and highlights its relevance in addressing contemporary issues such as inequality, ethical economics, and community-driven development.
Keywords	Srimanta Sankaradeva, Namghar, Satra, Economic thoughts, Relevance
Field	Arts
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-09-05
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.87169

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