Sattriya Dance - Krishnakshi Kashyap and Ramkrishna Talukdar in 2013

Sattriya Dance has its origin in the ’Sattras’ developed by the social, cultural and religious reformer Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev in the 15th and the 16th century. The Sattras were established for the propagation of Vaishnavism and later they became the religious, cultural and social hub for the people of Assam. The great Vaishnavite Saint used the medium of art and culture to spread his philosophy. Sattriya Dance was initially a part of the one act plays called ’Ankia Naats’ written by Sankardev and was performed in the Sattras and the Namghars by the male Bhokots as a part of religious rituals. A revolutionary change took place, when female dancers started performing this art form, which was earlier prohibited. Finally in 15th November 2000 , the Sangeet Natak Akademi declared Sattriya Dance as one of the eight classical dance forms of India. This music is intended for the use of authorised persons only. Using of the music without the permission of the original owner is not permitted.