Sattriya: Exploring the Classical Dance Form from Assam, India, Rooted in Vaishnavite Monasteries
(A Lecture – Hold on to Your Gamucha! 🧣)
Namaste, everyone! 🙏 Welcome, welcome! I see many eager faces, ready to delve into the vibrant world of Sattriya. Now, I know what you’re thinking: "Sattriya? Sounds like some fancy coffee drink!" Well, I assure you, it’s far more stimulating than a double espresso. It’s a classical dance form from Assam, India, a region known for its tea gardens, silk, and, of course, its rich cultural heritage.
Today, we’re embarking on a journey, a whirlwind tour if you will, to uncover the beauty, history, and sheer brilliance of Sattriya. Think of me as your cultural sherpa, guiding you through the mountainous terrain of this ancient art form. But unlike a real sherpa, I won’t make you carry my luggage. Just your curiosity! 😜
I. Setting the Stage: Assam, Vaishnavism, and the Seeds of Sattriya
Before we jump into the rhythmic footwork and expressive hand gestures, let’s set the stage. Imagine Assam, a lush green valley nestled in the northeastern corner of India. Picture tea gardens stretching as far as the eye can see, the mighty Brahmaputra river snaking its way through the landscape, and the air filled with the scent of exotic flowers. 🌸
Now, add to this already captivating scene the powerful influence of Vaishnavism. Vaishnavism, for those not in the know, is a branch of Hinduism that centers around the worship of Lord Vishnu and his various incarnations, most notably Lord Krishna.
The Vaishnavite Revolution:
In the 15th century, a remarkable saint, scholar, and social reformer named Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva emerged in Assam. He wasn’t just your average saint; he was a cultural powerhouse! He challenged the existing social order, emphasizing devotion to Lord Vishnu through accessible means. He believed that everyone, regardless of caste or creed, should have access to spiritual enlightenment. And how did he achieve this? Through art! 🎨
Think of Sankardeva as the Steve Jobs of the 15th century, but instead of iPhones, he created a whole new art form: Sattriya. He envisioned it as a powerful tool for spreading Vaishnavite teachings, making complex philosophical concepts relatable and engaging for the masses.
Monasteries: The Cradle of Sattriya:
Sankardeva established Satras, Vaishnavite monasteries that became the heart and soul of Sattriya. These were not just places of worship; they were centers of learning, art, and community life. Imagine them as mini-universities dedicated to the arts and devotion.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| What is a Satra? | Vaishnavite monastery, cultural and religious hub in Assam. |
| Purpose | Promote Vaishnavism through art, education, and community service. |
| Founder | Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva. |
| Significance | Cradle of Sattriya dance, preserving and evolving the art form for centuries. |
| Think of it as… | A cross between a monastery, a university, and a community center. |
These Satras became the custodians of Sattriya, preserving and evolving the dance form for centuries. Initially, Sattriya was primarily performed by male monks within the sacred confines of the Satras. It was a strictly devotional practice, a way to connect with the divine through movement, music, and storytelling.
II. The Dance Itself: A Symphony of Movement and Expression
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: the dance itself! Sattriya is a multifaceted art form, a delightful blend of rhythm, grace, and narrative. It’s not just about moving your body; it’s about telling a story, expressing emotions, and connecting with the audience on a deeper level.
Key Elements of Sattriya:
- Nritya (Pure Dance): This focuses on intricate footwork, graceful body movements, and precise hand gestures (mudras). Think of it as the architectural foundation of Sattriya, the framework upon which everything else is built.
- Nrittya (Expressive Dance): This is where the story comes alive! Through facial expressions, gestures, and postures, the dancer conveys emotions, narrates tales from Hindu mythology, and brings characters to life. Think of it as the storytelling engine of Sattriya.
- Natya (Drama): While not always present in every performance, Natya incorporates dramatic elements, often featuring dialogues, costumes, and stagecraft to create a complete theatrical experience. Think of it as the theatrical flourish of Sattriya.
Mudras: The Language of Hands:
Mudras are a crucial element of Sattriya. These are specific hand gestures that convey different meanings and emotions. Each mudra is like a word in a visual language, allowing the dancer to communicate complex ideas without uttering a single word. Learning mudras is like learning a new alphabet – once you understand the basic symbols, you can start to decipher the whole story!
Footwork: A Rhythmic Tapestry:
The footwork in Sattriya is intricate and precise. Dancers often wear ankle bells (ghungroo), which add a percussive layer to the performance, creating a mesmerizing rhythmic tapestry. Imagine the sound of gentle rain falling on a tin roof – that’s the kind of captivating rhythm that Sattriya footwork can create.
Costumes and Makeup: Dressing the Part:
The costumes in Sattriya are vibrant and colorful, reflecting the rich culture of Assam. The traditional male costume includes a dhoti (a long unstitched cloth), a chadar (a shawl), and a paguri (a turban). The female costume typically consists of a mekhela chador (a traditional Assamese sari) and various ornaments.
The makeup is equally important, enhancing the dancer’s features and emphasizing their expressions. The eyes are often heavily lined with kohl, making them appear larger and more expressive.
III. The Music of Sattriya: A Melodic Embrace
No dance is complete without music, and Sattriya is no exception. The music of Sattriya is just as integral to the art form as the dance itself, creating a melodic embrace that enhances the overall experience.
Key Instruments:
- Khol: A double-sided barrel drum, the heart and soul of Sattriya music. It provides the rhythmic foundation for the dance.
- Taal: Cymbals, used to mark the rhythm and create intricate patterns.
- Borgeet: Devotional songs composed by Sankardeva and his disciples, sung in the Brajavali language (a mix of Assamese, Maithili, and Sanskrit).
The Role of the Musicians:
The musicians are not just accompanists; they are integral partners in the performance. They respond to the dancer’s movements, anticipating their every step and creating a dynamic interplay between music and dance. Think of them as the engine room of the performance, powering the dancer’s movements and fueling the emotional intensity of the story.
IV. The Evolution of Sattriya: From Monasteries to the World Stage
For centuries, Sattriya remained largely confined to the walls of the Satras. It was a hidden gem, known only to a select few. However, in the 20th century, things began to change.
Breaking Barriers:
In the mid-20th century, scholars and artists began to recognize the immense artistic and cultural value of Sattriya. They advocated for its recognition as a classical dance form of India.
Recognition as a Classical Dance:
In 2000, Sattriya was officially recognized as one of the eight classical dance forms of India by the Sangeet Natak Akademi (National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama). This was a monumental achievement, giving Sattriya the recognition and platform it deserved. 🏆
Challenges and Transformations:
The recognition as a classical dance form also brought new challenges. There was a need to adapt Sattriya for the modern stage, while still preserving its traditional essence. This involved introducing new themes, choreographies, and performance styles.
From Male Bastion to Inclusion:
Another significant transformation was the inclusion of women in Sattriya performances. Traditionally, Sattriya was primarily performed by male monks. However, in recent years, female dancers have become increasingly prominent, adding new dimensions and perspectives to the art form.
Sattriya Today:
Today, Sattriya is performed and appreciated around the world. It is taught in dance schools, universities, and cultural institutions. Dancers from Assam and beyond are pushing the boundaries of the art form, experimenting with new ideas and collaborations.
V. Why Should You Care About Sattriya? (A Plea from Your Cultural Sherpa)
Okay, so you’ve learned about the history, the music, the dance, and the costumes. But why should you care about Sattriya? What’s in it for you?
- Cultural Enrichment: Learning about Sattriya is like opening a window into a different world, a world of rich traditions, vibrant colors, and profound spirituality.
- Appreciation of Art: Sattriya is a beautiful and complex art form that deserves to be appreciated. By learning about it, you can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the arts in general.
- Support for Cultural Preservation: By supporting Sattriya, you are helping to preserve a valuable cultural heritage for future generations.
- Impress Your Friends!: Let’s be honest, knowing about Sattriya is a great conversation starter. You can impress your friends with your knowledge of Indian classical dance and culture. 😉
The Future of Sattriya: A Bright Horizon:
The future of Sattriya looks bright. With its recognition as a classical dance form, its growing popularity around the world, and the dedication of countless artists and scholars, Sattriya is poised to continue to thrive and evolve.
VI. A Glimpse into the Different Forms of Sattriya Dance
Sattriya isn’t just one monolithic dance form. It’s a diverse tapestry woven from various styles and narratives. Here’s a sneak peek into some prominent forms:
| Form | Description | Key Features | Common Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ankiya Naat | One-act plays written by Sankardeva and Madhavdeva, often featuring dance, music, and dialogues. | Elaborate costumes, theatrical elements, use of masks, moral and spiritual teachings. | Stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Bhagavata Purana. |
| Oja Pali | A narrative form that combines singing, dancing, and storytelling, often performed in groups. | Dynamic movements, rhythmic chanting, use of cymbals, focus on storytelling and moral instruction. | Tales from the epics, legends of local heroes, devotional narratives. |
| Chali Nritya | A pure dance form emphasizing intricate footwork, graceful movements, and precise hand gestures. | Emphasis on technique, rhythmic complexity, abstract expression, meditative quality. | Often performed as an opening piece, showcasing the dancer’s skill and devotion. |
| Dasavatar Nritya | A dance depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. | Symbolic costumes and makeup for each avatar, dynamic movements, expressive storytelling. | The preservation of Dharma (righteousness) and the triumph of good over evil. |
| Krishna Nritya | Dances centered around the life and exploits of Lord Krishna. | Playful and energetic movements, depiction of Krishna’s childhood, emphasis on love and devotion. | Stories of Krishna’s birth, his pranks, his love for Radha, and his battles against evil. |
| Sutradhari Nritya | A solo dance performed by the Sutradhar (narrator) in Ankiya Naat. | Expressive movements, use of dialogues and gestures, role of narrator and commentator. | Introduces the play, provides context, and explains the moral of the story. |
This table just scratches the surface. The beauty of Sattriya lies in its adaptability and its ability to incorporate new themes and stories while staying true to its roots.
VII. Conclusion: Keep Dancing! (And Learning!)
And there you have it! A whirlwind tour of the captivating world of Sattriya. We’ve explored its history, its music, its dance, and its significance. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey as much as I have.
Remember, learning about different cultures and art forms is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about expanding our horizons, broadening our perspectives, and connecting with humanity on a deeper level.
So, go forth and explore the world of Sattriya! Attend a performance, take a class, or simply delve deeper into its history and traditions. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be the one standing here, sharing your passion for this incredible art form with others.
Thank you! Dhanyavad! 🙏 (And don’t forget your gamucha!) 🧣 Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to practice my chali nritya. Wish me luck! 🕺
