Snippets of Information - Dance
Sattriya
* 11 Sep 2023
Sattriya is one of the major Indian classical dances from
Assam. Although it is a living dance tradition which has been thriving
for almost six hundred years through the Sattra institutions (Vaishnava
monasteries) of Assam, it gained mainstream visibility only in the
recent decade after Sattriya was recognized as a classical dance by the
Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000. This recognition encouraged and
facilitated further experimentation, research and performance in the
field of Sattriya dance.
Source: Nritya Pravah: An evening of Sattriya dance by Deeptangshu Das, narthaki.com, April 24, 2019
* 24 Jul 2025
Sattriya Dance has its origin in the
‘Sattras’ established by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev in the 15th and
the 16th century. The Sattras were established for the propagation of
Vaishnavism and later they became the religious, cultural and social hub
for the people of Assam. The great Vaishnavite Saint has developed this
dance form with its basic roots aligned with the characteristics of
other forms of Indian classical dance. Initially a part of the ‘Ankia
Naats’, this dance form derived its name from the word ‘Sattra’ .This
dance form was originally performed in the Sattras and the Namghars by
the male Bhokots as a part of religious rituals and for spreading the
philosophy of Vaishnavism and was confined within the four walls of the
sattras for several centuries.
Later eminent personalities and reformers like Late Moniram Dutta
Muktiyar Barbayan, Late Roseshwar Saikia Barbayan, Late Dr. Maheswar
Neog , Late Dr Bhupen Hazarika, Late Ananda Mohan Bhagawati to name of
few contributed in developing and bringing the Sattriya dance to the
outer world. A revolutionary change took place, when female dancers
started performing this art form, which was earlier prohibited. Finally
in 15th November 2000 , the Sangeet Natak Akademi declared Sattriya
Dance as a classical dance form of India.
Source: Read more at sattriyakristi.com
* 25 Jul 2025
Traditional Assamese jewellery is used in Sattriya dance. The
jewelleries are made in a unique technique in Kesa Sun ( raw gold).
Artists wear Kopali on the forehead, Muthi Kharu and Gam Kharu
(bracelets), different type of neck pieces like Mata Moni (for male
dancers), Golpata, Dhulbiri (shaped like the musical instrument dhol),
Bena (pendant shaped like a crescent), Jethipata (lizard shaped),
Dugdugi (leaf shaped), Senpata (eagle shaped), Dhansira (strand of rice
grain), Lokaparo (pegion design). Earrings are made in similar designs
and also Thuka Suna and Keru are worn by dancers. Female dancers wear
white flowers in the hair.
The costumes of Ankiya Naats (dramas) are colourful and character
specific. Use of Mukha (Masks) to depicts demons and special characters
are also unique to this dance form. The art of mask making is an
integral part of Sattriya culture and originated in the Sattras of
Assam. Beautifully decorated turbans and crowns made by the local
artisans are used in the Ankiya Naats.
Source: Read more at sattriyakristi.com
* 11 Sep 2023
Ankiya Bhaona is a stylized Sattriya musical
drama, showcasing Assamese heritage and culture. As an outcome of the
Bhakti movement, it was spearheaded by the Vaishnava visionary saint and
social reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva during the 15th/16th century, to
spread the philosophy and moral values in mankind. Along with the
ritualistic music and dance practiced in the Sattras of Assam, he also
created Ankiya Bhaona, Nritya Natikas or musical plays to inculcate
moral values through the portrayal of mythological stories.
Source: Satkara Foundation’s Sukhanubhuti by Manjari Sinha, narthaki.com, 3 Aug 2023
* 11 Sep 2023
Srimanta Sankaradeva is also known as Mahapurusha. He established an institution of Sattra, monastery in Assam.
Sir Edward Gait mentions in Census report of 1891: "Mussalmans have
borrowed the ecclesiastical machinery of the Hindus. They have their
Gossains or spiritual preceptors to one of whom every Mussalman is bound
to attach himself. Mussalman Gossains have their own Sattras or
establishments and resident disciples." All this led Srimanta Foundation
for Culture and Society to conceive 'Setubandha Programme' in 2003 to
build bridges of human capital and hosted the same jointly with the
Assam Sattra Mahasabha. The celebrated singer Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was a
part of this 'Setubandha Programme.'
The amazing activity led to the performance of Bhaona, the traditional
theatre devised by Sankaradeva in Bodo and Mising language. And in the
post Setubandha follow up programme, the Sattriya teachers continue
teaching the 'bhaoriyas,' the physical exercises and theatre. Now they
have regular classes in four places in Majuli and three places in
Gohapur. In the cross cultural training, the Mipaks (non-Misings) and
Harshas (non-Bodos) are learning the folk art forms of respective
communities. The Mati Akharas, ground exercises which Sankaradeva
created for Sattriya dances, are taught as physical exercises to
children. Thus the works of Srimanta Sankaradeva is of utmost relevance
for social re-engineering and is the need of the hour for human
unification.
Source: Sankaradeva Movement celebrations in Mumbai by Dr. Sunil Kothari, narthaki.com, 8 Jun 2014
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