Rise of Renowned 15th century Polymaths of France and Assam

 

 

It is a rare occasion to witness the rise of polymaths in the same century which France and Assam, India were graced with Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci and Srimanta Sankardeva respectively who came saw and revolutionized the society in 15^th century. Uniquely both polymaths were born without much years gap difference, Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (born on April in 1452, Italy) and Srimanta Sankardev (born on September in 1449, India).

During 15^th century Sankardeva’s was more pronounced in India whereas Leonardo’s influence was prominent in Italy as well before changing his citizenship to France. Interestingly both the polymaths were reckoned for their exceptional art skills though they were masters of multiple fields. The two personalities were more than normal human who had extraterrestrial traits due to which they were revered globally. More than self glorification the two polymaths displayed their multiple skills to organize a society for humanitarian revolution to ensure better lives for the coming generation.                                                                                     

What contradicts the polymaths from each other is that Leonardo is revered as modern inspiration whereas Sankardeva is acknowledged as divine embodiment with modern humanitarian outlook. Vinci’s works enabled people to advance from their narrow perspective to make a better human world. Sufficiency of human needs through ignition of knowledge in all major fields like science, arts, math and architecture what motivated Vinci.

Involved people to achieve humanitarian objectives with democratic perspective, what Vinci’s works emphasized. Leonardo laid foundation to make an advance modern world of harmony and integrity, free from conflict that ignites war and chaos in the society. Vinci’s futuristic modern and advance concept like flying machine, parachute and tank was much later in modern era came to reality.

Sankardeva unlike Vinci processed humanitarian revolution through art and culture medium but with spiritual context. Enabled to maintain strong psychological balance between people’s materialistic duty and final liberation from attachment what Sankardeva strive through simplification of Vaisnavism concept. It was a gigantic task to visualize the tough concept of Bhagavat Gita through ‘Bhaona’ or play to the mass of laymen which none in India then initiated. To these traits of the divine being even a French performing artist acknowledged Sankardeva's unique psychological approach to relate a complicated matter to people of all level where Thespian Dalton Nikos during ‘Srimanta Sankardeva 1^st International Festival 2016’ Kalakshetra venue, Assam had added, "Sankardev's works strive from a different level as a whole."

This genius implemented art, craft, dance, music and literary skills to communicate with numerous caste people to make them revolt for simpler methodology to connect with God instead of following strict religious rituals. People in the attempt to follow strict ritual often become bankrupt and undergo mental distress. It is in this attempt to rescue the people from being misled and involve in one cause for better livelihood that is ‘Ek Sharan Nam Dharma’ (surrender to one God (the invisible lord Hari) was introduced by Sankardeva.

Carefully if analyzed, we will find the modern film concept on particular subject was first introduced by Sankardev through live presentation of Play or ‘Bhaona’ with real actors. Till date Bhaona is cherished as an entertainment medium to immerse the audience in the depth of ‘Bhakti or Devotion’ to connect with God. This even inspired the French team of artists to enact it in French version.

 ‘Vrindaban Vastra’ of Sankardeva was another effective unique medium to simplify tough matters of Bhagavat Gita through weaving and art technique which is now a treasure of Britain museum. Nowhere in India, anyone  had weaved in one long cloth piece to depict mythological stories of ‘Krishna Leela’ unlike Sankardeva. Such unique innovative ideas was presented to capture the imagination and nerve of the laymen to pursue them in spiritualism,

Since Sankardeva was more spiritual oriented he did not encompassed multiple subjects that modern generation could follow in their education syllabus like Vinci’s works. Vinci vindicated time with eternal works like Mona Lisa and The Last Supper whereas Sankardeva unique activities do not need to submit his eternity apart from his humanitarian approach to revolutionize the society through art and culture. Since Vinci knew the complicated codes of life and had unsolved mysterious exceptional paintings to his credits he presides to be a human curiosity.

More than liberation and connectivity with god, Vinci emphasized on scientific approach and brought to light about technological benefits including study of modern architecture. Vinci’s technological ingenuity captured the scientific minds for inspiring them with his concept of warfare equipped vehicle (like war tank design), tensile strength measure device, bobbin winder and solar power utility. 

Srimanta Sankardeva had all the qualities to encompass Vinci’s master in multiple fields.  But he was a man of spiritual context so his works did not reflect materialistic achievement and perception. Sportsperson if we say about Sankardeva won’t be wrong as he remained undefeated in all challenges of life. Be it swimming across the mighty and swelling river Brahmaputra during monsoon when dangerous current and whirlpool forms or defeating a gigantic mad ox simply with his bare hands or catching the swiftest animal in the jungle with bare hands Sankardeva vanquished all to certify as supernatural being. Vinci in contrary missed this spot to level up with him though he obtains a much revered position as undaunted genius in the world.