Indian Art, Culture & Heritage22 Concepts & Facts

What Is Sattriya Dance? Origin in Assam, Srimanta Sankardev & Classical Traditions

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Sattriya is one of the eight recognized classical dance traditions of India, originating in the northeastern state of Assam. Rooted in the 15th-century Bhakti movement, Sattriya was conceived and structured by the venerated Vaishnavite saint, polymath, social reformer, and playwright Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardev (1449–1568 CE) alongside his principal disciple, Madhavdev. Sankardev introduced Sattriya as an artistic medium of religious devotion within the institutional framework of the "Ekasarana Dharma"—a monotheistic Neo-Vaishnavite faith centered on exclusive surrender to Lord Krishna.

The dance form derives its name from the "Sattras"—monastic socio-religious institutions and monasteries established across Assam, most famously on the river island of Majuli in the Brahmaputra River. For centuries, Sattriya was nurtured and practiced exclusively within these monasteries by celibate male monks known as "Bhakats," who performed it as a ritualistic offering in the sanctum sanctorum or in the open assembly prayer hall called the "Namghar." It evolved as an organic theatrical component of the "Ankia Naat," a genre of single-act devotional plays written in Brajavali, an artificial literary blend of Assamese and Maithili languages.

Sattriya strictly adheres to classical principles codified in Bharata Muni's ancient dramaturgical treatise, the Natya Shastra, as well as the regional Assamese Sanskrit text, the Sri Hastamuktavali. It embodies two foundational aesthetic dimensions: "Tandava" (vigorous, masculine movements) and "Lasya" (graceful, lyrical feminine expressions). The movement repertoire is anchored by fundamental postures called "Ora" and footwork rhythmic patterns known as "Mati Akharas"—a comprehensive system of 64 foundational physical training exercises designed to condition the dancer's body.

Accompaniment in Sattriya performances features traditional classical compositions known as "Borgeet" (composed by Sankardev and Madhavdev), the pulsating beats of the "Khol" (a two-headed asymmetrical terracotta drum), and bronze cymbals called "Taal" (Bhortaal and Patitaal). Historically confined to monastic sanctuaries, Sattriya transitioned to secular public stages during the mid-20th century, culminating in its formal recognition as a classical Indian dance by the Sangeet Natak Akademi on November 15, 2000.

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Sattriya is a recognized classical dance form of India originating in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam.

It was created in the 15th century CE by the Vaishnavite saint, social reformer, and scholar Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardev.

Srimanta Sankardev propagated the Ekasarana Nama Dharma, a monotheistic Bhakti movement worshipping Lord Krishna.

The dance takes its name from the "Sattras"—Vaishnavite monasteries established by Sankardev and his disciple Madhavdev.

Majuli, the world's largest inhabited river island located in the Brahmaputra River, is the historical cultural epicenter of Assamese Sattras.

Prominent historical Sattras preserving Sattriya traditions include Kamalabari Sattra, Auniati Sattra, Dakhinpat Sattra, and Garmur Sattra.

For nearly five centuries, Sattriya was performed exclusively by celibate male monastic devotees known as "Bhakats" inside monasteries.

Performances were staged inside the "Namghar," the community congregational prayer hall characterized by a sacred altar (Manikut).

Sattriya originally formed part of the theatrical performance of "Ankia Naat," one-act devotional plays pioneered by Sankardev.

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The plays and songs are composed in "Brajavali," a distinct literary linguistic blend of medieval Assamese, Maithili, and Braj bhasha.

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The textual foundation of Sattriya movement, hand gestures, and aesthetics is governed by the Natya Shastra and the Sri Hastamuktavali.

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Sattriya training begins with "Mati Akharas," a foundational curriculum of 64 yogic physical exercises, jumps, and ground postures.

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The basic standing stance in Sattriya is called "Ora," divided into the male stance (Purush Ora) and female stance (Prakriti Ora).

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The dance integrates both classical movement categories: masculine, dynamic "Tandava" and feminine, delicate "Lasya."

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Musical accompaniment is provided by "Borgeet," devotional hymns set to specific classical ragas and talas.

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The primary percussion instrument used in Sattriya is the "Khol," a two-headed asymmetrical earthenware drum.

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Rhythmic accompaniment also relies on various cymbals, notably the heavy "Bhortaal" and smaller "Patitaal."

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Costumes are traditionally woven from indigenous Assamese silk, particularly golden Muga silk and white/ivory Pat silk.

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Male dancers traditionally wear the Dhoti and Paguri (turban), while female dancers wear the Ghuri (skirt) and Chador.

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Traditional Assamese silver filigree ornaments—such as Golpata, Dhulbiri, Lokaparo, and Muthi-kharu—adorn the dancers.

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The Sangeet Natak Akademi officially recognized Sattriya as India's eighth classical dance style on November 15, 2000.

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Legend and scholar Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and monastic gurus like Bapuram Barbayan played prominent roles in bringing Sattriya to global stages.

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Sattriya is an Indian classical dance that originated in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam. It was created in the fifteenth century by the Vaishnavite saint and reformer Srimanta Sankardev during the Bhakti movement. Developed inside monastic centers called Sattras, notably on Majuli island, the dance was traditionally performed in prayer halls called Namghars. Devotees used rhythmic footwork, khol drums, and devotional songs called Borgeets to celebrate Lord Krishna.

In UPSC prelims and State PSC art sections, questions frequently examine India's classical dance forms. A recurring exam trap claims Sattriya developed as court entertainment; remember that it originated strictly within monastic Sattras and was originally staged by celibate male monks known as Bhakats. For revision, memorize that the Sangeet Natak Akademi recognized Sattriya as a classical dance in November 2000. Also link Sankardev's traditional one-act plays, Ankiya Nat, to this art.

What Is Sattriya Dance? Origin in Assam, Srimanta Sankardev & Classical Traditions

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