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'''Pitambar Deva Goswami''' (10 June 1885 – 1962) was a spiritual leader and social reformer in the Indian state of [[Assam]].
'''Pitambar Deva Goswami''' (10 June 1885 – 1962) was a spiritual leader and social reformer in the Indian state of [[Assam]].


At age six he was accepted into the monastic order of the Gadmur [[Satra]] and positioned as its [[Deka Sattradhikar]]. He learned [[Sanskrit]] under the tutelage of Nityanandadeva Bhagawati Vidyavagish in the [[Sattra]]. When he was 21, Pitambar Deva was given the role of Sattradhikar (head priest) of the Gadmur Sattra after the death of [[Sri Sri Jogachandra Deva Sattradhikar Goswami]].<ref>{{cite web|title=SRI SRI PITAMBAR DEVA GOSWAMI|url=http://www.srimanta.net/contents_l3.php?q=5&ID=3&ID3=40&link_caption=SRI%20SRI%20PITAMBAR%20DEVA%20GOSWAMI|website=srimanta.net|accessdate=28 January 2015}}</ref>
At age six he was accepted into the monastic order of the Gadmur [[Satra]] and positioned as its [[Deka Sattradhikar]] (head of [[Satra (Ekasarana Dharma)|satra]] or monastary). He learned [[Sanskrit]] under the tutelage of Nityanandadeva Bhagawati Vidyavagish in the [[Sattra]]. When he was 21, Pitambar Deva was given the role of Sattradhikar (head priest) of the Gadmur Sattra after the death of [[Sri Sri Jogachandra Deva Sattradhikar Goswami]].<ref>{{cite web|title=SRI SRI PITAMBAR DEVA GOSWAMI|url=http://www.srimanta.net/contents_l3.php?q=5&ID=3&ID3=40&link_caption=SRI%20SRI%20PITAMBAR%20DEVA%20GOSWAMI|website=srimanta.net|accessdate=28 January 2015}}</ref>
In addition to studying Sanskrit in a wider range, covering [[grammar]], [[literature]], [[philosophy]], [[religion]] and [[theology]], he also taught himself English and modern [[Assamese literature]]. He learned [[Ayurveda]], took lessons in classical music, both vocal and instrumental ([[Sitar]], [[Violin]] and [[Harmonium]]), and invited experts from [[Calcutta]] to the Sattra, along with the traditional Sattriya from senior Sattra exponents. <ref>{{cite web|title=SRI SRI PITAMBAR DEVA GOSWAMI|url=http://www.srimanta.net/contents_l3.php?q=5&ID=3&ID3=40&link_caption=SRI%20SRI%20PITAMBAR%20DEVA%20GOSWAMI|website=srimanta.net|accessdate=28 January 2015}}</ref>
In addition to studying Sanskrit in a wider range, covering [[grammar]], [[literature]], [[philosophy]], [[religion]] and [[theology]], he also taught himself English and modern [[Assamese literature]]. He learned [[Ayurveda]], took lessons in classical music, both vocal and instrumental ([[Sitar]], [[Violin]] and [[Harmonium]]), and invited experts from [[Calcutta]] to the Sattra, along with the traditional Sattriya from senior Sattra exponents. <ref>{{cite web|title=SRI SRI PITAMBAR DEVA GOSWAMI|url=http://www.srimanta.net/contents_l3.php?q=5&ID=3&ID3=40&link_caption=SRI%20SRI%20PITAMBAR%20DEVA%20GOSWAMI|website=srimanta.net|accessdate=28 January 2015}}</ref>


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The artist in Pitambar Deva led him to establish a modern stage in 1922 in the Gadmur Sattra premises as 'Tarun Rangamancha' for bringing in innovation in the [[theatre]]. He reorganized the Tarun Rangamancha again and rechristened it as Vamsigopal Natyamandir and introduced the play Rasalila written and stage-devised by him based on Srimanta Sankaradeva's lyrical play 'Keligopala.' He added a landmark to the stage presentation of the play by introducing co-acting with boys and girls which was for centuries a male domain.
The artist in Pitambar Deva led him to establish a modern stage in 1922 in the Gadmur Sattra premises as 'Tarun Rangamancha' for bringing in innovation in the [[theatre]]. He reorganized the Tarun Rangamancha again and rechristened it as Vamsigopal Natyamandir and introduced the play Rasalila written and stage-devised by him based on Srimanta Sankaradeva's lyrical play 'Keligopala.' He added a landmark to the stage presentation of the play by introducing co-acting with boys and girls which was for centuries a male domain.


He launched an elaborate campaign for the removal of the caste system by organizing ''putala nritya'' (doll dance), which thereafter became very popular in the province. <ref>{{cite book|last1=Karna|first1=M.N.|title=Social Movements in North-East India|date=1998|publisher=North East India Council for Social Science Research|isbn=81-7387-083-7|page=151|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-3FJEfU3swcC&pg=PA151&lpg=PA151&dq=Pitambar+Deva&source=bl&ots=D8NmQeYxOx&sig=QYHKxsPVXxsUaJE8fKU0Dd-Zu80&hl=en&sa=X&ei=UZbJVJDBCdWxogSEx4CgBA&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAzgK#v=onepage&q=Pitambar%20Deva&f=false|accessdate=28 January 2015}}</ref>
Even after leaving active political life after independence, Pitambar Deva wrote open letters to political leaders including the then Chief Minister of Assam, [[Bishnuram Medhi]] and Prime Minister Late [[Jawaharlal Nehru]], drawing urgent attention to the problem of uninterrupted influx from (then) East Pakistan and the possible threat to the sovereignty of the country. The struggle for the welfare of his people subjected him to frequent physical ailment{{Citation needed|date = July 2014}} and finally he died on October 20, 1962. His last rites with full [[Sattra]] rituals were performed on the banks of the Bhogdai river in [[Jorhat]].

Even after leaving active political life after independence, Pitambar Deva wrote open letters to political leaders including the then Chief Minister of Assam, [[Bishnuram Medhi]] and Prime Minister Late [[Jawaharlal Nehru]], drawing urgent attention to the problem of uninterrupted influx from (then) East Pakistan and the possible threat to the sovereignty of the country. One of these letters was entitled "Bloodless invasion of Assam: A letter to the Prime Minister of India on Pakistani infiltration, with leading newspaper reports". <ref>{{cite web|title=Bloodless invasion of Assam: A letter to the Prime Minister of India on Pakistani infiltration, with leading newspaper reports|url=http://www.amazon.com/Bloodless-invasion-Assam-Pakistani-infiltration/dp/B0007KEQ5S/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422497367&sr=1-1|website=Amazon.com|accessdate=28 January 2015}}</ref>

The struggle for the welfare of his people subjected him to frequent physical ailment{{Citation needed|date = July 2014}} and finally he died on October 20, 1962. His last rites with full [[Sattra]] rituals were performed on the banks of the Bhogdai river in [[Jorhat]].


==Feature and short film==
==Feature and short film==

Revision as of 02:34, 29 January 2015

Pitambar Deva Goswami
Pitambar
Original photo of Pitambar Deva Goswami
Personal life
Born(1885-06-10)10 June 1885
Saru Gadmur Sattra, Majuli
Died1962 (aged 76–77)
HonorsThe Sattradhikar—the chief of the Vaishnavite monastery called Garmur Sattra of Majuli.
Religious life
PhilosophyHumanity

Pitambar Deva Goswami (10 June 1885 – 1962) was a spiritual leader and social reformer in the Indian state of Assam.

At age six he was accepted into the monastic order of the Gadmur Satra and positioned as its Deka Sattradhikar (head of satra or monastary). He learned Sanskrit under the tutelage of Nityanandadeva Bhagawati Vidyavagish in the Sattra. When he was 21, Pitambar Deva was given the role of Sattradhikar (head priest) of the Gadmur Sattra after the death of Sri Sri Jogachandra Deva Sattradhikar Goswami.[1] In addition to studying Sanskrit in a wider range, covering grammar, literature, philosophy, religion and theology, he also taught himself English and modern Assamese literature. He learned Ayurveda, took lessons in classical music, both vocal and instrumental (Sitar, Violin and Harmonium), and invited experts from Calcutta to the Sattra, along with the traditional Sattriya from senior Sattra exponents. [2]

Philosophy

Pitambar Deva pursued a series of major reforms according to Sattra and greatly influenced the socio-religious life of Assam. These reforms were revolutionary and previously unheard of in the Sattra circles.[citation needed]

He introduced martial arts and acrobatics among the Sattra works for sound physique, self-discipline and self-defense. He took over the management of agricultural activities in the Sattra land using tractors for plowing. He withdrew the system of payment of tithes and taxes by the devotees and the laity to the Sattra, and stressed to the Sattras the importance of becoming self-reliant through farming and other means.[citation needed]

Among other reforms, he also:

  • Opened the Kirtanghar for all classes of people, including lower classes
  • Visited tribal villages and delivered aid during famine.
  • Liberated the monastic order from celibacy and allowed the Sattra monks to lead an austere household life.
  • Fought in favor of the untouchables, organized public opinion against their subjugation, and founded 'Asprisyata Barjan Sangha'. He also took the lead in forming 'Asam Harijan Sevak Sangha Asam Harijan Sevak Sangha' as its founding president.
  • Joined the national freedom movement as an active Congress worker.
  • Participated in the Pandu Session of the Indian National Congress in 1926 and met with Gandhiji.
  • Spread the message of Swaraj, offered Satyagraha in 1941, was arrested in 1943 and jailed for two years with the confiscation of some of the Sattra properties. The Deka Sattradhikar late Krishna Chandra Deva had gone to the jail before him, and was arrested in 1942.

After being released from prison, Pitambar Deva began preaching Vaisnava beliefs and helping the Karbi people in the hilly interior areas of the present day Karbi Anglong district. He took up various welfare measures, particularly in spreading education in the hill district by opening 20 primary schools. He walked to visit areas with difficult access and shared views with the unlettered tribal villagers. However he had to cut short his mission as he fell ill.

The Sattradhikar worked for the propagation of the Hindi language in Assam and donated a plot of Sattra land in Jorhat for establishing a Hindi school and started the 'Asam Hindi Prachar Samiti' as its founder President. He also took the initiative in bringing all classes of people, including tea-garden labourers, initiating them to the Vaisnava faith of the Sankaradeva order.

The artist in Pitambar Deva led him to establish a modern stage in 1922 in the Gadmur Sattra premises as 'Tarun Rangamancha' for bringing in innovation in the theatre. He reorganized the Tarun Rangamancha again and rechristened it as Vamsigopal Natyamandir and introduced the play Rasalila written and stage-devised by him based on Srimanta Sankaradeva's lyrical play 'Keligopala.' He added a landmark to the stage presentation of the play by introducing co-acting with boys and girls which was for centuries a male domain.

He launched an elaborate campaign for the removal of the caste system by organizing putala nritya (doll dance), which thereafter became very popular in the province. [3]

Even after leaving active political life after independence, Pitambar Deva wrote open letters to political leaders including the then Chief Minister of Assam, Bishnuram Medhi and Prime Minister Late Jawaharlal Nehru, drawing urgent attention to the problem of uninterrupted influx from (then) East Pakistan and the possible threat to the sovereignty of the country. One of these letters was entitled "Bloodless invasion of Assam: A letter to the Prime Minister of India on Pakistani infiltration, with leading newspaper reports". [4]

The struggle for the welfare of his people subjected him to frequent physical ailment[citation needed] and finally he died on October 20, 1962. His last rites with full Sattra rituals were performed on the banks of the Bhogdai river in Jorhat.

Feature and short film

Yugadrashta is a short feature film shot in Red Camera on the life and times of Pitambar Deva Goswami.

References

  • KASHYAP, Samudra gupta (July 10, 2000). "More reconversion stories, this time from Assam". Express India. Retrieved 2008-05-02. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

Template:Persondata

  1. ^ "SRI SRI PITAMBAR DEVA GOSWAMI". srimanta.net. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  2. ^ "SRI SRI PITAMBAR DEVA GOSWAMI". srimanta.net. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  3. ^ Karna, M.N. (1998). Social Movements in North-East India. North East India Council for Social Science Research. p. 151. ISBN 81-7387-083-7. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  4. ^ "Bloodless invasion of Assam: A letter to the Prime Minister of India on Pakistani infiltration, with leading newspaper reports". Amazon.com. Retrieved 28 January 2015.