Sattriya or Sattriya Nritya most popular dance forms in Assam

About Sattriya Nritya

Sattriya or Sattriya Nritya is one of the most popular dance forms in Assam. The Sattriya dance form was introduced in the 15th century A.D by the great Vaishnava saint and reformer of Assam, Mahapurusha Sankaradeva as a powerful medium for the propagation of the Vaishnava faith.

The dance form evolved and expanded as a distinctive style of dance later on Sankaradeva introduced this dance form by incorporating different elements from various treatises, local folk dances with his own rare outlook. Sattriya dance tradition is governed by strictly laid down principles in respect of hastamudras, footworks, aharyas, music etc.

Sattriya is a dance form that comes from the state of Assam in India. It emerged from a five hundred years old theatre tradition which was quite comprehensive and evolved in the Vaishnav Monasteries in Assam.

Sattriya marg includes nritta which means pure dance, nritya which means expressive dance, and natya means dramatic play. Sattriya follows the principles of a classical dance form which are most required such as the treatises of dramaturgy and dance, like Abhinaya Darpana, Natya Shastra,  and  Sangit Ratnakara of Shakaradeva’s.

Sattriya dance has an influence on Devadasi dance form as well. Footsteps are a major part of Sattriya dance as it makes the most of it.

Sattriya Nritya is a mixture or combination of the Ankia Naat which is a form of Assamese one-act plays, and is usually performed in the sattras as per the  Assam’s monasteries are called.

That is how the name came from. This dance form is a popular one in Assam and it is performed by most of the population in the most extravagant way.

This dance form is the oldest one and has a rich history which makes it an amazing dance form with lots of amazing steps and costumes and jewelry. This dance form has also influenced various other dance forms as well.