Sattriya

What is Sattriya?

Sattriya is a classical dance-drama form from Assam, India. It began in Vaishnava monasteries, where monks performed it as part of daily worship and festivals. The dance tells stories from Hindu texts, especially about Krishna and Rama, using expressive gestures, hand movements, and dramatic acting. Today, both men and women perform Sattriya, either solo or in groups, on stage and in religious settings. The dance features energetic and delicate movements, and sometimes uses masks or props to show different characters.

Where does Sattriya come from?

Sattriya traces its roots to the 16th century, when the Assamese saint Sankardev created it for religious plays called Ankiya Nat. These performances were part of the devotional life in sattras, the Vaishnava monasteries of Assam. The dance draws on ancient Indian texts like the Nātya Śāstra, which describes drama, gesture, and emotion in performance. Originally, only male monks performed Sattriya as a form of worship, but in the 20th century it moved onto the public stage and became open to all. It was officially recognized as a classical dance of India in 2000.

How is Sattriya danced?

Sattriya includes three main types of performance: pure dance (nritta), expressive dance (nritya), and drama (natya). Dancers use precise hand gestures (mudras), footwork, and facial expressions to convey stories and emotions. The style can be energetic and bold or soft and graceful, with both masculine and feminine qualities. The basic training involves learning sets of movements called Mati Akhara. Performances may be solo or group, and sometimes use masks or props to show different characters from the stories.

The music of Sattriya

Sattriya is accompanied by devotional songs called bargeets, composed in classical ragas. The main instrument is the khol, a two-faced drum unique to Assam, producing both high and deep sounds. Cymbals of various types and the flute are also used, along with violin and harmonium in modern performances. The music supports both the rhythmic dance and the storytelling, with songs often describing episodes from the lives of Krishna or Rama.

Costume and what is carried

Traditional Sattriya costumes differ for men and women. Men wear a dhoti, chadar (scarf), and a turban, while women wear a ghuri (skirt), chadar, and kanchi (waist cloth). Costumes are often made from Assamese silk, with local motifs and bright colors for certain roles. Dancers wear traditional Assamese jewelry and sometimes white flowers in their hair. Masks and character-specific costumes are used in dramatic plays, especially to show demons or special figures.

When and where Sattriya is danced

Sattriya was originally performed by monks in monasteries as part of daily rituals and to mark special religious festivals. Today, it is also presented on stage by trained dancers, both men and women, and is taught outside the monastic tradition. The dance continues to be an important part of religious and cultural life in Assam, and is performed at festivals, cultural events, and on national and international stages.

Styles of Sattriya

Sattriya includes several styles, such as Sutradhara, which tells stories with commentary, and character-specific forms focusing on Krishna, Radha, and other figures. The Ankiya Nat subgenre consists of one-act plays with dance, drama, and song. Costumes and movements vary according to the character and story. Over time, Sattriya has adapted to stage performance and now includes both traditional and modern elements.

What Sattriya means

Sattriya is closely tied to the religious life of Assam's Vaishnava community. It expresses devotion and ethical values through dance, music, and drama. The tradition of mask-making is unique to Sattriya culture. Once limited to monasteries, the dance is now recognized as a symbol of Assamese identity and Indian classical arts, and is performed worldwide. Its inclusion as a classical dance in 2000 helped preserve and promote the form.

Questions people ask about Sattriya

Good reading and sources

• Sattriya on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Sattriya on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo