Sattriya
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
One of India’s eight classical dances, born in the Vaishnava monasteries (satras) of Assam in the tradition of Srimanta Sankardev.
ClassicalWhere: AssamOccasion: Daily rituals and festivals in the satras; stage performances
| Performed by | Traditionally male monks (bhakats) of the satras; today also women dancers on stage |
|---|---|
| Costume | Pat silk costumes in white, cream or bright colours, with a turban for men and traditional Assamese jewellery for women |
| Music and instruments | Borgeet and other devotional songs; khol (drum), taal (cymbals) and flute |
How it is performed
- A performance often begins with a pure-dance piece set to drums and cymbals, such as the Gayan-Bayan led by the musicians.
- The dancer uses set postures, footwork and hand gestures that follow a strict grammar taught in the satras.
- Expressive pieces act out stories of Krishna and Rama through gesture, facial expression and song.
- Some pieces come from the Ankiya Naat plays, in which dance is part of the drama.
Significance
Sankardev used dance, song and drama to spread devotion to Krishna in the 15th and 16th centuries. The satras kept the dance alive for centuries, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi recognised Sattriya as a classical dance in 2000.