--- url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/dance/sattriya' title: 'Sattriya: classical dance of Assam' author: name: Anonymous updated: '2026-10-31T16:40:01+00:00' type: website summary: "Sattriya is Assam's classical dance, shaped in Vaishnava monasteries called sattras from Sankaradeva's plays. Dancers move to Borgeet songs with the khol drum." tags: - Dance image: 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg' published: true og: site_name: KalaSudha 'image:url': 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg' 'image:secure_url': 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg' 'image:type': image/svg+xml 'image:alt': KalaSudha --- Tradition # Sattriya सत्त्रीया The classical dance of Assam's Vaishnava monasteries, the sattras Assam Sattra Tradition Sattriya is the classical dance of Assam, shaped in Vaishnava monasteries (sattras) from Sankaradeva's devotional plays and recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000. [ Explore Courses ](/en-int/courses?discipline=184) [ Show interest ](/en-int/dance/sattriya/show-interest) [Sign in to follow](/en-int/user/login?flag_anon=follow_term-184&destination=/en-int/markdownify/taxonomy/term/184) [ Share ](/en-int/share/term/184) ## Overview **Sattriya**, also called Sattriya Nritya, is the classical dance of Assam. It grew up in the Vaishnava monasteries called **sattras** and is one of eight on the Sangeet Natak Akademi's classical list. The dance took shape in the **Ankiya Nat**, one-act devotional plays of song, dance and dialogue by **Srimanta Sankaradeva** (1449 to 1568 in most sources), who began the neo-Vaishnava movement in Assam. The sattras grew from the movement's devotee assemblies after Sankaradeva's death, under his successors, and their monks (bhakats) danced every role, women's parts included. Sattriya first reached a modern stage in 1922, and men and women from outside the sattras now perform it. The Akademi listed it on 15 November 2000. Indira P.P. Bora and Jatin Goswami received the Akademi's award for Sattriya in 1996 and 2004. Dancers move to **Borgeet**, devotional songs by Sankaradeva and Madhavadeva set to ragas (melodic frameworks), with the **khol**, a two-headed barrel drum played with the fingers, and hand cymbals. Training starts with **mati akhara**, ground exercises that build stances, turns, gaits and hand gestures; ora is the basic stance. Sattriya has two styles: the vigorous masculine paurashik bhangi and the delicate feminine stri bhangi. It shares Vaishnava devotion with neighbouring [Manipuri](/en-int/dance/manipuri), though its drum is the khol where Manipuri uses the pung. Part of **Dance**: Indian classical dance is the umbrella name for India's regional classical forms, rooted in the Natyashastra. The list most cited, credited to the Sangeet Natak Akademi, has eight. ### Quick Facts Region Assam Founder Srimanta Sankaradeva (1449-1568) Context Sattra (Vaishnavite monastery) Classical Recognition 15 November 2000, Sangeet Natak Akademi ## History & Evolution **Srimanta Sankaradeva** (1449-1568) founded the neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam, establishing sattras (monasteries) and creating the Ankiya Nat dance-dramas. Monks maintained Sattriya as devotional practice for five centuries. The **Sangeet Natak Akademi** recognised Sattriya as the eighth classical dance form in 2000. Contemporary artists have brought the form to concert stages while sattras continue traditional practice. Global recognition has followed national acknowledgment. 15th - 16th Century ### Sankaradeva's Foundation **Srimanta Sankaradeva** founds neo-Vaishnavism in Assam. Creates Ankiya Nats and establishes the sattra system. **Madhavadeva** continues his work. 17th - 19th Century ### Monastic Preservation Sattras throughout Assam maintain dance-drama traditions. Monks transmit technique through generations. The form remains within monastic context. 20th Century ### Documentation and Awareness Scholars begin documenting Sattriya. Awareness grows beyond Assam. Practitioners advocate for classical recognition while maintaining traditional practice. 2000 - Present ### Classical Recognition **Sangeet Natak Akademi** recognises Sattriya as the eighth classical form (2000). Concert presentations develop. National and international recognition follows. ## Technical Aspects ### Movement Vocabulary **Chaali** (basic dance units) comprise the technical vocabulary. **Mati Akhara** emphasises footwork while **Ora** and **Par** describe spatial movements. ### Dramatic Format The **Ankiya Nat** (one-act play) presents Krishna narratives through dance, music, and dialogue. **Borgeet** (devotional songs) by Sankaradeva and Madhavadeva provide musical foundation. ### Dual Character The form exhibits both **tandava** (masculine) and **lasya** (feminine) qualities. Originally performed by male monks only; contemporary practice includes female performers. ## Journey to Mastery Follow this structured journey to master this discipline 1. 1 ### Devotional Context Study the religious context: Sankaradeva's neo-Vaishnavism, the sattra system, and the role of dance in devotional practice. Understand the spiritual foundation that shapes Sattriya. 2. 2 ### Technical Foundation Master the Chaali (basic dance units) and Mati Akhara (footwork patterns). Learn the distinctive hand gestures. Develop the foundational movement vocabulary. 3. 3 ### Musical Integration Study Borgeet (devotional songs) by Sankaradeva and Madhavadeva. Learn the relationship between music and movement. Understand the khol and taal accompaniment. 4. 4 ### Repertoire and Dramaturgy Learn episodes from Ankiya Nat dance-dramas. Study character portrayal and dramatic interpretation. Develop both tandava and lasya expression. 5. 5 ### Performance Contexts Master both traditional sattra presentation and concert adaptation. Develop appropriate presentation for different contexts. Understand the form's continuing evolution. ## Frequently Asked Questions Where can I learn Sattriya dance online with a live teacher? You can learn [Sattriya dance](/en-int/dance/sattriya) online with KalaSudha, from a vetted teacher in live one-to-one lessons. The classical dance of Assam, it grew up in the sattras, Vaishnava monasteries whose monks danced every role. Training starts with **mati akhara**, ground exercises that build stances, turns, gaits and hand gestures; ora is the basic stance. Later you dance to Borgeet, devotional songs set to ragas, or melodic frameworks, with the khol drum. Beginners start at **Foundation** in our [online academy](/en-int/academy). Between the workshops and summer camps we hold where enough learners sign up, lessons continue online. Have more questions? Contact our support team and we'll be happy to help! Stay close ## Keep KalaSudha close. Receive news of concerts, learning opportunities, recordings and the work taking shape at KalaSudha. - Concert news - ·Learning opportunities - ·Recordings and stories We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.