Sattriya: Assam's Classical Dance Born from Vaishnava Monasteries

The Monastic Dance of Assam

Sattriya is one of the eight recognized classical dance forms of India, originating from the northeastern state of Assam. Unlike other classical dance forms that evolved in temples or royal courts, Sattriya emerged from the unique institution of the Sattra, or Vaishnava monastery. The dance form was developed by the great saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568) in the fifteenth century as a medium for propagating the Ekasarana Nam Dharma, a monotheistic Vaishnava tradition. Sattriya was performed by male monks known as 'Bhakats' as part of their religious practices and dramatic performances. The dance form remained confined within the Sattras for centuries, preserved in its purest form, until it gained recognition as a classical dance style in the modern era.

The Origins in the Sattras

Srimanta Sankardeva created Sattriya dance as part of his revolutionary approach to spreading devotional teachings. He composed dramatic works known as 'Ankiya Naat' (one-act plays) that combined dance, music, and drama to tell stories from the Bhagavata Purana and the life of Lord Krishna. The performances were held in 'Namghars' (prayer halls) within the Sattra complexes. The dance movements were codified based on the principles of the Natya Shastra but adapted to the local Assamese context. Sankardeva's disciple Madhavdeva further refined the dance form and composed numerous Borgeets (devotional songs) that continue to be an integral part of Sattriya performances.

Sattriya dance is a living tradition that has been preserved within the monastic walls of Assam's Sattras for over five centuries. Its emergence as a recognized classical dance form in the twentieth century brought this unique artistic heritage to the world stage, while its spiritual roots remain firmly planted in Vaishnava devotion.

Sattriya dance is characterized by its distinct elements. The basic footwork is energetic and rhythmic, with dancers stamping their feet in complex patterns to the beat of the khol (drum). The body movements are characterized by a unique combination of graceful upper body gestures and vigorous footwork. The hand gestures follow the traditional mudra system with some local variations. The dance includes both 'Nritta' (pure dance) and 'Nritya' (expressive dance) aspects. A distinctive feature of Sattriya is the 'Jhumura' dance, a vigorous form that involves dramatic leaps and turns, originally performed by monks as a form of physical and spiritual discipline.

The Sattriya Repertoire and Costumes

The Sattriya repertoire includes several distinctive performance types. 'Sattriya Nritya' is the pure dance form, performed as an independent piece. 'Ankiya Naat' Bhaona are the traditional one-act plays that combine dance, dialogue, and music. 'Matri Akhara' involves the display of complex rhythmic patterns. 'Chali Nritya' is a graceful dance form characterized by smooth, flowing movements. The costumes of Sattriya reflect the Vaishnava traditions of Assam. Male dancers wear the dhoti and chadar, while female dancers wear the traditional Assamese mekhela chador.

• Sattriya dance was recognized as a classical dance form by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000
• The dance is accompanied by traditional Assamese instruments including the Khol, Baanhi, and Tal
• More than five hundred Sattras in Assam continue to preserve this dance tradition
• The training traditionally began at a very young age within the monastic system

Contemporary Sattriya

In the modern era, Sattriya has expanded beyond the confines of the Sattras and gained national and international recognition. Women now perform Sattriya alongside men, bringing new dimensions to the dance form. Dedicated institutions and gurus have systematized the training methodology, making it accessible to students from all backgrounds. The dance form has been presented at major cultural festivals worldwide. Contemporary Sattriya choreographers experiment with new themes while respecting the traditional framework. The emergence of Sattriya as a major classical dance form represents a remarkable journey from monastic seclusion to global recognition, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Assam and the enduring power of the Vaishnava devotional tradition.

Satriya Music and Instrumentation

The music accompanying Sattriya dance is distinctive and integral to the performance tradition. The 'Borgeets' (devotional songs) composed by Sankardeva and Madhavdeva form the core of the vocal repertoire. These compositions are set to specific ragas (melodic modes) and talas (rhythmic cycles) that are unique to the Sattriya tradition. The 'Khol' (drum) is the primary instrument, providing complex rhythmic patterns that the dancer interprets through footwork. The 'Paik' or 'Baanhi' (bamboo flute) adds melodic accompaniment. The 'Tal' (brass cymbals) mark the rhythmic cycle. The vocalist's rendering of the Borgeets guides the dancer's expressions and movements. The music of Sattriya is characterized by its devotional quality and rhythmic vitality, supporting both the meditative and dynamic aspects of the dance. The compositions are preserved through oral tradition, with gurus transmitting the precise melodic and rhythmic details to their disciples. The preservation of this musical tradition is essential for maintaining the authenticity of Sattriya dance.

Contemporary Innovations in Sattriya

Since its recognition as a classical dance form in 2000, Sattriya has undergone significant evolution while maintaining its traditional foundations. Contemporary choreographers have expanded the thematic range of Sattriya to include secular themes, social messages, and universal human experiences. The traditional repertoire has been supplemented with new compositions that address contemporary concerns while respecting classical principles. Female performers, who were historically excluded from the tradition, have become prominent contributors to Sattriya's evolution. The training methodology has been formalized and documented, making the dance form accessible to students beyond the Sattra system. International workshops and performances have introduced Sattriya to global audiences, and the dance form is now taught in institutions outside Assam. These developments have enriched Sattriya without diluting its essential character, demonstrating the capacity of classical traditions to evolve creatively while maintaining their spiritual and aesthetic foundations.