INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCES
SATTRIYA
Sattriya or Sattriya Nritya, is one among the eight principal classical Indian dance traditions. On 15 November 2000, the Sangeet Natak Akademi finally gave Sattriya Nritya its due recognition as one of the classical dance forms of India, alongside the other seven forms.The word Sattriya is derived from the word ‘Sattra’, because till then the dance recitals were exclusively practiced within the compounds of a Sattra, a monastery like institution which was the epicentre of the Vaishanvite culture. Where as some of the other traditions ave been revived in the recent past, Sattriya has remained a living tradition since its creation by the founder of Vaishnavism in Assam, the great saint Srimanta Sankardev, in 15th century Assam. The classical rigidity, the strict adherence to certain principles, and the non-engagement of academic research on the dance form all contributed to the delayed recognition and acceptance of Sattriya Nritya as one of the eight classical dance forms of India.
HISTORY
This dance form has remained a living tradition in Assam's Vaishnava monasteries, known as sattras, for over 500 years now. It was originally practiced by celibate monks in the form of mythological dance-dramas. These dance-dramas were, in the main, written and directed by the Assamese Vaishnava saint and social reformer Sankaradeva, and by his principal disciple Madhavadeva. They were mostly composed during the 16th century.The sattras had observed and maintained certain rigid disciplines and austerities within their walls
and, until the first half of the 20th century, this dance style was performed in a highly ritualistic manner by male dancers alone. Sattriya Nritya continued through the centuries to maintain within its forms the classical exactitude and intricate detail that mark ancient art forms.
MUSIC AND INSTRUMENTS :
Sattriya Nritya is accompanied by musical compositions called borgeets (composed by Sankardevaand Shree Shree madhavdev, among others) which are based on classicalragas. The instruments that accompany a traditional performance are khols (drums), taals (cymbals) and the flute. Other instruments like the violin and the harmonium have been recent additions.
Sattriya Nritya is divided into many Aspects :Apsara Nritya, Behar Nritya, Chali Nritya,Dasavatara Nritya, Manchok Nritya, Natua Nritya,Rasa Nritya, Rajaghariya Chali Nritya, Gosai Prabesh, Bar Prabesh, Gopi Prabesh, Jhumura,Nadu Bhangi, and Sutradhara, to name but a few - these being the counterpart to Items in Bharata Natyam.
COSTUME
The costumes are usually made of pat - a silk produced in Assam which is derived from the mulberry plant -and woven with intricate local motifs. There are two types of costumes - the male costume comprising the dhoti and chadar and the female costume comprising the ghuri and chadar . The waist cloth which is known as the kanchi or kingkini is worn by both the male and female dancers. The ornaments, too, are based on traditional Assamese designs.
