The second biennial State convention of the Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan Sanstha, Assam was held in Dibrugarh, attended by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighting renewed efforts to preserve Assam’s classical devotional traditions.

About Mrdangiya Gayan-Bayan

• Mrdangiya Gayan-Bayan is a traditional devotional music and percussion ensemble of Assam, closely associated with the Ekasarana Vaishnavite tradition.
• It forms an integral part of Naam-Kirtan performed in Namghars and Satras, using instruments like the khol and mridanga along with vocal recitation.
• The tradition has no written manual; it is transmitted orally through guru–shishya parampara, sustained by disciplined practice across generations.

Cultural and social significance

• The tradition is deeply rooted in rural Assam, acting as a bridge between spiritual practice, music, and community life.
• It reflects the living intangible cultural heritage of the State, combining rhythm, devotion, and collective participation.
• Institutions such as Auniati Satra have historically played a key role in nurturing and standardising gayan-bayan practices.

Exam Hook – Prelims 

Q. Which of the following statements about Mrdangiya Gayan-Bayan is correct?

1. It is a devotional music tradition associated with Assam’s Vaishnavite Satras.
2. It follows a written classical notation system similar to Hindustani music.

Select the correct answer from the options given below:

A. Only 1                B. Only 2

C. Both 1 & 2         D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) Statement 1 only.

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