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The Gayan and the Bayan teach the monks music both vocal and instrumental. Sankaradeva was himself a Meistersinger and an excellent instrument player. The musical instrument. Khol is said to have been invented by Sankaradeva. Dancing too forms a part of education of young pupil-monks. Various forms of religious dances like Sutradhari, Cali or Natuwa, Krishna and Gopi-nac were developed under the inspiration of the Satras. This tradition is still being kept alive by the Bhaktas of the Vaishnava Satras.
To run an institution with so many departments, naturally a large amount of money is required. Formerly, the Ahom made the Ahom, kings and nobles contributed liberally, and large grants of revenue-free land. The British Government subsequently confirmed Kings and this. The Satras derive income from other sources also. Every Sisyas, disciple, is expected to make an annual contribution either in cash or kind (guru kar).
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