The name ‘Sattriya’ comes from Assam’s monasteries which are called Sattras. The Sattriya Nritya is one of the eight major Indian Classical dance forms, recognized as so by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000. The Sattriya dance form was introduced in the 15th century A.D. by the great Vaishnava Saint Mahapurusha Sankaradeva as a powerful medium for propagation of the Vaishnava faith. It also accompanied the Ankiya Naata- a one act drama, which was also introduced by him. The highly stylised theatrical form- with nritya (dance), natya (drama), sangeeta (music) and abhinaya (acting) coming together- was initiated as a means of worshipping the unchanging absolute.
The Sattriya performances integrate two styles which can be classified as the ‘Paurashik Bhangi’ or Tandava, or masculine style and the ‘Stri Bhangi’ or Lashya, or feminine style. The male attire includes the chadar, dhoti, and paguri (turban). Chadar, Ghuri, and Kanchi (waist cloth) are part of the feminine attire. The most famous saree worn in the Sattriya dance is the Pat or Paat silk saree, which uses bright motifs & patterns to portray the local area. The dancers have bracelets called Gam Kharu, Muthi Kharu, and they also have Kopali on their foreheads. The jewelleries are made using Kasa Sun (Raw Gold). Traditionally the costumes were of white or raw silk color with use of red, blue, and yellow for specific dance members. In earlier times, velvet & satin materials were mostly used for the costumes. With change of time, as this dance evolved from the sattras onto stage, the design and materials of the dance costumes changed.
The dance honors several mythological creatures and characters and involves complicated positions and steps. Traditional assamese music called Borgeet is played during the performance. The themes played are related to Krishna as well as other avatars of Vishnu such as Rama, and stories from epics Mahabharata, and Ramayana.
Six types of Anga (limb), six types of Pratyanga, six types of Upanga (lower limb), nine different types of Gativad (movement), eight types of Dristived (Eye Movement), nine types of Shiraved (head movement), four types of Gribaved (neck movement) are found in Sattriya dance.
The musical instruments used in Sattriya are the khols or the drums, the taals, or the cymbals, and the flute. In present time, the violin is also commonly used in the music of Sattriya dance.
Use of Mukha (Mask) to depict demons and special characters are also unique to this dance form. The art of mask making is an integral part of Sattriya culture & originated in the Sattras of Assam. The facial makeup in earlier times was done using herbs.
Since its acceptance as a classical dance form, Sattriya has become a bridge connecting Assam to the cultural whole of the Indian Nation. This creates a platform for potential exchanges; it is an ongoing process that will take years of engagement and understanding to fully materialise.
