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Paper short abstract

Majuli, worlds largest river islands are affected by erosion. The neo vaishnavite monasteries, satras have reduced from 65 to 35 threatening the communities. The communities approach on environmental conflicts is through performative art. Satras act as institutions promoting art and culture.

Paper long abstract

Majuli, the world's largest river island situated in Assam, India has lost 78% of its landmass. First recorded in 1892, 1,250 sq km to 352 sq km by 2018 due to Brahmaputra erosion. In the face of escalating environmental crises, the neo-Vaishnava cultural monasteries known as Satras emerge as important arts and culture institutions.

This paper examines how performative arts like bhaona, which is theatre, satriya a dance form, and borgeet music within these satras nurture trust, communication, and resilience amidst Brahmaputra erosion induced "conflicts" with nature. ​

Satras host performances retelling Srimanta Sankardev's epics, uniting the different communities in shared rituals that surpass ethnic divides and mitigate displacement tensions, which is evident by sustained participation despite annual floods. Along with this the efforts of Jadev Payeng in planting 1,400 acre Molai forest since 1979, integrates with the satra-hosted plantation ceremonies. It has enabled the creation of wildlife habitats with community-driven initiatives, resulting in delayed land erosion and ecological and cultural cohesion. UNESCO recognised satra training for climate resilience, demonstrating the power of art and culture in building community ties and adaptive policies.

There are challenges that remain, due to limited empirical studies on art and culture on environmental peacebuilding in countries like India. Satra's role in preventing youth migration and performance space loss. Systematically biased government policies distort outcomes over satra’s conservation and preservation. This paper aims to address art and culture's strength in intra community bonds, development and sustainability.