Sattriya dances are mostly religious in nature, as they were created to spread neo-Vaishnavism. Its highlights are tremendous emotional fervor, and dramatic abhinaya is now prevalent in its solo avatar, as opposed to nritta, pure dancing. In the 15th century AD Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva, a prominent Vaishnava saint and Assamese reformer introduced it to Assam. This article will explain to you the concepts related to Sattriya which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Sattriya

• In Assam, the Vaishnava saint Shankaradeva established Sattriya dance in its contemporary form in the 15th century A.D.
• The name of the art form comes from the Vaishnava monasteries known as 'Sattras,' where it was originally practiced.
• It is mentioned in sage Bharat Muni's ancient treatise 'Natya Shastra.' It is based on the Bhakti Movement.
• The Sangeet Natak Akademi designated Sattriya as a classical dance in the year 2000.

Sattriya - Features

• The dance was a combination of different Assamese dance genres, primarily Ojapali and Devdasi.
• The Sattriya recitals are centered on the religious side of dance and tell Vishnu mythological legends.
• Nritta, Nritya, and Natya are all forms of Sattriya dance.
• Male monks known as Bhokots conduct the dance in groups as part of their everyday routines or even at festivals.
• The principal accompanying instruments of this dancing genre are the khol (drum), manjira (cymbals), and flute. The songs are Shankaradeva's 'Borgeets' compositions.
• Rhythmic syllables, dance postures, and footwork are all heavily emphasized. It has features of both Lasya and Tandava.
• Hand gestures and footwork are rigorously regulated in the Sattriya dance form, and they play a significant role.
• Dhoti and Paguri are the male dancers' costumes (turban). Females, on the other hand, wear traditional Assamese jewelry such as 'Ghuri' and 'Chador' made of Pat silk. Both men and women use washcloths.
• Sattriya dance has evolved into two distinct streams in current times: Gayan-Bhayanar Nach and Kharmanar Nach.
• Ankia Naat is a form of Sattriya that involves musical drama or play. It was initially written in Brajavali, an Assamese-Maithili hybrid language. It's also known as 'Bhaona,' and it tells stories about Lord Krishna.

Conclusion

In contrast to other classical dances, the Sattriya dance has remained unchanged in this sense from its inception. The social and religious group known as the 'Sattras' devised this dance under the patronage of Sankardeva to honor their ideas that were ingrained in Hinduism and its diverse teachings. Guru Jatin Goswami, Guru Ghanakanta Bora, Manik Barbayan and Bhabananda Barbayan, Sharodi Saikia, Indira PP Bora, and Anita Sharma are among the renowned artists.

FAQs on Sattriya

Question 1: What is Sattriya, and where did it originate?

Question 2: What are the main features of Sattriya dance?

Question 3: What is the role of Sattriya in Assamese culture?

Question 4: How did Sattriya gain recognition as a classical dance form?

Question 5: What are the different styles of Sattriya performance?

MCQs on Sattriya

1. Where did the classical dance form Sattriya originate?

A) Tamil Nadu

B) West Bengal

C) Assam

D) Uttar Pradesh

2. Who is credited with founding the Sattriya dance form?

A) Rukmini Devi Arundale

B) Pandit Birju Maharaj

C) Srimanta Sankardeva

D) Uday Shankar

3. Which of the following instruments is typically used in Sattriya performances?

A) Sitar

B) Tabla

C) Dhol

D) Shehnai

4. What is the main theme of Sattriya dance performances?

A) Celebrating royal victories

B) Depicting historical events

C) Devotional themes from Hindu mythology

D) Depicting folk legends

5. In which year was Sattriya officially recognized as a classical dance form by the Sangeet Natak Akademi?

A) 1985

B) 1995

C) 2000

D) 2010

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the cultural significance of Sattriya in the state of Assam and its contribution to the Indian classical dance tradition.

Answer: Sattriya holds immense cultural significance in Assam, where it originated as a devotional dance form created by Srimanta Sankardeva in the 16th century. It was initially performed in the Satras (monasteries) as part of religious rituals to spread the teachings of the Bhakti movement. Over time, Sattriya became an essential part of Assamese cultural identity, reflecting the spiritual and artistic heritage of the region. It combines intricate footwork, expressive hand gestures (mudras), and rhythmic patterns to narrate stories from Hindu mythology, particularly those of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations. Sattriya’s recognition as a classical dance form in 2000 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi marked its formal inclusion in the mainstream of Indian classical dance traditions. Sattriya’s influence extends beyond Assam, as it has become an important medium for cultural exchange and has contributed to the diverse tapestry of Indian classical dance.

Q2: Evaluate the role of Srimanta Sankardeva in the evolution of Sattriya and its place in Assamese society.

Answer: Srimanta Sankardeva was a visionary scholar and saint who played a pivotal role in the spiritual and cultural life of Assam. His creation of Sattriya was part of his broader mission to reform society through the Bhakti movement, which emphasized devotion to Lord Vishnu. Sankardeva’s introduction of Sattriya as a devotional art form enabled a unique blend of religion, dance, and music that resonated with the local population. He used the dance form to communicate religious messages, promote cultural unity, and engage the community in spiritual practices. Sattriya became deeply embedded in the Satra system of Assam, which served as a center for both religious and cultural activities. Sankardeva’s role in popularizing Sattriya helped preserve Assamese traditions and gave the community a distinctive identity. Today, Sattriya is not only a significant religious and cultural practice but also an important classical dance form recognized across India and globally.

Q3: What are the challenges faced by Sattriya in the contemporary dance world, and how can they be addressed?

Answer: Despite its rich heritage, Sattriya faces several challenges in the contemporary dance world. One major challenge is the limited exposure and recognition of Sattriya outside Assam and among wider Indian and global audiences. This issue stems from the dance form’s traditional association with religious rituals and monastic settings, which can hinder its adaptation to modern performance venues. Another challenge is the lack of formal training institutions and resources to preserve and promote Sattriya, especially in the face of competition from other classical dance forms. To address these challenges, greater efforts are needed to promote Sattriya through national and international festivals, workshops, and collaborations with other classical dance traditions. The establishment of dedicated institutions for Sattriya training and greater media coverage can also help in preserving its authenticity while adapting it to contemporary tastes. Additionally, encouraging young dancers and choreographers to innovate within the framework of traditional Sattriya can keep the dance form relevant in today’s cultural landscape.

Previous Year Questions on Sattriya

1. UPSC 2021

Question: Discuss the significance of Sattriya as a classical dance form of India and its cultural importance in Assam.

Answer: This question required a discussion of the origins, cultural relevance, and the evolution of Sattriya. The answer should focus on the role of Srimanta Sankardeva in its creation and its contributions to Assamese culture, highlighting the recognition of Sattriya as a classical dance form and its position in the broader Indian classical dance tradition.

2. UPSC 2019

Question: Evaluate the impact of Srimanta Sankardeva’s teachings on the development of art forms like Sattriya in Assam.

Answer: This question asked candidates to explore the influence of Srimanta Sankardeva’s philosophy on the arts, particularly Sattriya. The answer should examine how Sankardeva’s teachings shaped the religious, cultural, and artistic practices in Assam, focusing on how he used Sattriya as a tool for spiritual expression and community building.