The origin of Bhakti movement in Assam under Sankardev marks an important development in the socio-cultural milieu of Assam. The spread of Bhaki i.e. devotion or the concept of ‘total surrender’ to God has its root in south which later percolated towards north keeping the prime ideas intact. However, the idea of Bhakti, wherever it entered, adjusted itself to the local socio-cultural environment with great impact upon its people. Importing the basic tenets of Bhakti, already popularized in other parts of the country, and mixing it beautifully with the socio-cultural ethos of the land of Assam and its people Sankardev’s experimentation bore fruitful results. As founder and leading member of this movement in Assam, understanding his time becomes a topic of great importance. Under the historical lens Sankardev and his time needs to be focused. We have to identify the urgency of the medieval Assamese society and economy which subsequently shaped this great man and his idea of syncretism. The society during 16th century Assam was mostly a stratified one which had its legacy going back to the rulers of ancient Assam who were more or less inclined towards Hinduism which strictly followed the notion of maintaining hierarchical structure of society according to the jati. Written and archaeological evidences dating to pre-Ahom era give the picture of changing Assamese society gradually from tribal to Brahmanical Hindu. This was possible largely because of the easy assimilating zeal of this version of Hinduism which incorporates the local culture and religion into its greater fold. People of Kshatriya and Brahmana identity worked as agents of this campaign. In this respect, the character of Sankardeva turns out to be exceptional of the time. Although belonging to a Kayastha Hindu, a part of the greater Hinduism, Sankardev turned his attention towards giving the religion a new direction to be acceptable for all irrespective of caste barriers. Sankardev even made the religion easy and digestible for all who were long denied of entering this faith due to this caste restriction. The existing social structure Assam did have impact on the economy. Agriculture was the occupation of majority of people. The economic activities of the people were by and large directed and controlled by the upper class, in order to maintain the social status. Kings and his officers did have significant say on the people engaged in various occupations. This was kind of ‘streamlining the administration’ project of the Hindu kings guided by the Brahmins. Under this socio-economic background we need to trace this Bhakti movement. The existing pre-Sankardeva society and economy of Assam gave the impetus in raising the Bhakti ideology and re-shaping the Assamese society with some new and progressive thoughts