Sattriya Dance: History, Features, Forms, Costumes, Exponents & UPSC Notes

Sattriya is a classical Assamese dance style used in the 15th century by saint-scholar Srimanta Sankardev as a means of worship and narration in Vaishnavite monasteries (Satras). It is also one of India's eight classical dances and combines music, drama and expressive movements, with emphasis on spirituality and the cultural heritage of Assam.

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Sattriya dance is essential for UPSC, reflecting India's cultural heritage and classical art traditions. It falls under General Studies Paper I (Indian Heritage and Culture), subject Indian Art and Culture, and Classical Dances of India, which is relevant for Prelims and Mains cultural questions. Join the UPSC coaching today and boost your preparation.

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About Sattriya

Sattriya Dance is a classical Indian dance form that originated in the Sattras, or Vaishnavite monasteries, of Assam, India. It is a beautiful and expressive dance form characterized by graceful movements, intricate footwork, and expressive hand gestures. Male monks traditionally perform Sattriya Dance. However, in recent years, women have also begun to learn and perform the dance form. 

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History of Sattriya Dance 

• Sattriya was introduced in Assam in the 15th century A.D by the Vaishnava saint and reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva.
• With the support of Sankardeva, the social and religious group of 'Sattras' developed this dance to commemorate their beliefs embedded in Hinduism and its teachings.
• The dance form was influenced by folk dance forms such as Ojapali, Devadasi, Bihu, Bodos, etc.
• Sattriya dance was known by many names, such as Nadu bhangi, Jhumura Naach, Chali-Nach, Behar Nach, Sutradhari, Gosain Pravesh, Gopi Pravesh, Ojapali Nac, to name sa few; however, currently it is commonly known as Sattriya.

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Salient Features of the Sattriya Dance Form

Sattriya dance, rooted in Vaishnavite traditions of Assam, blends devotion with performance by combining dance, drama, and music. Characterized by expressive gestures, mythological storytelling, and traditional Assamese silk costumes, it was initially performed in Satras by monks and later evolved into a widely recognized classical dance form.

• Origin and Purpose: Conceived in the 15th century by Srimanta Sankardev, Sattriya was meant as a medium of devotion and to propagate Vaishnavism through storytelling, music, and performance inside Satras (monasteries).
• Religious and Theatrical Nature: It combines bhakti (devotion) with natya (theatre), narrating stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana in a spiritual yet entertaining manner.
• Costume and Ornamentation: Traditional Assamese silk, such as Muga and Pa, is also used. Male characters wear dhoti, chadar, paguri, while female characters wear mekhela-chador. Costumes often have motifs of Lord Krishna and Vaishnavite symbols.
• Music and Instruments: Accompanied by devotional songs (Borgeets composed by Sankardev), instruments include khol (drum), taal (cymbals), flute, violin, and harmonium.
• Dance Technique: Emphasis on nritta (pure dance), nritya (expressive dance), and natya (dramatic representation). It uses graceful hand gestures (mudras), rhythmic footwork, and powerful facial expressions.
• Themes: Centered around Vaishnavism and Krishna devotion, focusing on episodes from Krishna Leela, Rama Leela, and other mythological tales.
• Performance Style: Originally performed only by male monks inside Satras, but since the 20th century, it has been performed on stage by both men and women. It includes solo, duet, and group presentations.
• Recognition: Declared a classical dance of India by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000, highlighting its cultural and historical importance.

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Different Forms of Sattriya

Sattriya Dance has various forms that depict different stories and themes. Here are the other forms of Sattriya Dance:

• Mati Akhara: These basic exercises and movements form the foundation of Sattriya Dance training. There are 64 types of Mati Akharas used in the dance.
• Krishna Nritya: This form portrays the activities of Lord Krishna. It is a pure dance performed in a specific rhythm called Sutataal.
• Nadubhangi: Nadubhangi Nritya is based on the life of Lord Krishna. It includes stories like Krishna defeating the poisonous snake 'Kaliya.' It consists of two parts: Ramdani and Geetor Naach, where pure dance is performed with songs.
• Jhumura: Jhumura is a pure dance form from the 'Jhumura Naat' of Sri Sri Madhavdev. It uses masculine postures and style and consists of three parts: Ramdani, Geetor Naach, and Mela Naach.
• Chali: Chali Naach is believed to be connected with the dancing peacock mentioned in the Bhagavad. It was traditionally performed by male dancers dressed as females. There are two types of Chali: pure style and Rojaghoria style. Pure Chali consists of eight Ramdanis. Abhinaya (expressional aspect) has also been increasingly.
• Roja Ghoria: Rojaghoria Chali dance evolved during the Ahom period. It is performed in the sequence of Ramdani, Geetor Nach, and Mela Nach.
• Behar Nach: Behar Nach is a group dance. It showcases the lively activities of Lord Krishna with his companions in Vrindavan. It consists of amdani and Geetor Nach, which are reformed to different rhythms and taals.
• Sutradhari: The Sutradhari is a prominent character in the 'Ankia Naats.' They recite the drama's story and manage the play's flow. Sutradhari Nritya covers three aspects: Nritta (pure dance), Natya (drama), and Nritya (expression).
• Bor Prabesh: Bor Prabesh Nritya depicts the stories of young Krishna and his activities with his friends while returning from cattle herding.
• Gosain Prabesh: Gosain Prabesh Naach is the dance where the main characters in 'Ankia Naat' enter the stage. It marks the entry of radiant and majestic characters like Krishna, Balaram, and Ram-Lakshman.
• Gopi Prabesh: Gopi Prabesh Naach is the entry dance of the main female characters in 'Ankia Naats.' It reflects the feminine style of Sattriya Dance. Leading female characters like Rukmini, Satyabhama, and Sita perform it.
• Ojapali: Sattriya Ojapali is based on the pre-Sankarian era's Byahar Ojapali. It uses hand movements and abhinaya to convey stories and spread the message of monotheism. It includes parts like Raag Diya, Raag Malita, Geet, and Kathan.

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Costumes Used in Sattriya Dance

• The costumes of Sattriya dance are mainly of two types, with the male costume comprising the dhoti and chada, and the pagri or turban and the female costume consisting of the ghuri, chadar and kanchi or the waist cloth.
• The Pat Silk saree is the most prevalent type in this dance form. The saree represents the locality through its several colored motifs and patterns.
• Classic Assamese jewelry is used. The jewelry is made using a unique method, using raw gold.

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Music and Instruments Used in Sattriya Dance

• Various musical instruments are used in the Sattriya dance form, some of which include drum, flute, violin, tambura, harmonium and Conch Shell.
• The songs for the play are composed by Shankaradeva, known as 'Borgeets'.
• Non-traditional musical instruments such as mridangam and pakhawaj were a part of the music of Roja Goriya Chali Dance.
• The present-day Sattriya performances also involve the use of a violin.

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Famous Exponents of the Sattriya Dance Form

• Some leading male Sattriya artists include Guru Jatin Goswami, Guru Ghanakanta Bora, Manik Barbayan and Bhabananda Barbayan, Moniram Dutta and Dr Bhupen Hazarika.
• The eminent women dancers include Sharodi Saikia, Indira PP Bora, Anita Sharma, Anwesha Mahanta and Mallika Kandali.

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