Exploring the Spiritual, Cultural, and Historical Journey of Sattriya Dance from Assam’s Monastic Traditions to Global Recognition

 

SATTRIYA DANCE

1. The Sacred Origins of Sattriya Dance: A Devotional Offering in Assam’s Vaishnavite Monasteries

Sattriya dance, one of the eight classical dance forms of India, traces its spiritual roots to the 15th century and is deeply entwined with the Bhakti movement in Assam. It was introduced by the revered saint and reformer Srimanta Sankardev, who used art as a means to spread neo-Vaishnavism, a devotional movement that worshipped Lord Krishna. Sattriya was originally performed by male monks known as bhokots in Sattras (monasteries), which were institutions established to promote the teachings of Sankardev. These performances were not mere artistic exhibitions but devotional offerings (known as ‘Bhaona’) combining dance, drama, and music to narrate mythological stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana.

Sattriya’s early form was highly codified, with strict guidelines for gestures (mudras), postures, and rhythmic patterns. The spiritual discipline and structured aesthetics of the form made it more than just an entertainment medium—it was a path to enlightenment and devotion. Every movement, expression, and beat was considered sacred and symbolic of a divine narrative. Though confined within monastic boundaries for centuries, Sattriya remained a living tradition, preserved meticulously by the monks and transmitted orally through generations. Its foundation as a religious practice gave it a unique identity among other Indian classical dances, distinguishing it with a strong moral and spiritual framework.

2. The Evolution of Sattriya from Monastic Seclusion to Public Recognition as a Classical Dance Form

For centuries, Sattriya was performed solely within the walls of the Sattras, and it remained a monastic tradition with limited public exposure. However, the mid-20th century marked a turning point in its journey. With the growing interest in India's diverse cultural heritage, scholars, artists, and cultural organizations began to take a closer look at regional dance traditions. It was during this time that Sattriya began its transition from a ritualistic performance to a recognized classical art form suitable for public stages.

Key figures such as Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Raseswar Saikia Barbayan, and Jatin Goswami played instrumental roles in bringing Sattriya into the cultural mainstream. These pioneers adapted the dance for solo and group performances while preserving its core spiritual themes and aesthetic integrity. The inclusion of women performers—a significant shift from the male-only tradition—further opened the doors for wider participation and innovation. Eventually, in the year 2000, the Sangeet Natak Akademi officially recognized Sattriya as one of India’s classical dance forms.

This recognition brought a wave of support, research, and documentation that helped preserve and promote Sattriya globally. It began appearing in cultural festivals, national television, and international events. Educational institutions introduced Sattriya into their curriculum, and cultural bodies supported performances and workshops. This journey from obscurity to mainstream reflects not just the resilience of Sattriya’s practitioners but also India’s commitment to preserving its rich and diverse intangible heritage.

3. The Distinctive Features of Sattriya Dance: A Blend of Grace, Devotion, and Storytelling

Sattriya’s uniqueness lies in its perfect blend of bhakti (devotion), natya (drama), and nritya (dance). Unlike some classical dances rooted in courtly or folk traditions, Sattriya is deeply spiritual in essence. It follows a codified structure drawn from the Natyashastra and is characterized by graceful movements, rhythmic footwork, expressive abhinaya (acting), and vibrant costumes. The storytelling is primarily based on the life and exploits of Lord Krishna, conveyed through emotive facial expressions and symbolic gestures.

There are two main components of Sattriya: Nritya (pure dance) and Nritta (expressive dance). The dances are often accompanied by live music performed with traditional Assamese instruments such as khol (drum), taal (cymbals), and flute. The compositions (known as Borgeet) are spiritual songs written by Sankardev and his disciple Madhavdev, sung in the Brajavali language—a blend of Assamese and Maithili.

The costumes are striking, with elaborate headgear, silk garments (often made of Muga silk), and traditional Assamese jewelry. Men and women both adorn similar costumes in solo or duet performances, reflecting a sense of unity and devotion. Every movement in Sattriya serves a purpose—whether to depict divine love, cosmic balance, or moral lessons. The overall effect is meditative, drawing audiences into the spiritual narrative being unfolded on stage.

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