Vignettes of Ramayana- Sattriya Part 2: Initiation and Training

Sattriya dance form was created in the 15 century BC, by Srimanta Sankaradeva and later Madhava Dev under the umbrella of the ‘Nav Vaishnav ‘tradition. This was created to accompany the Ankiya Naat (one-act plays), which were mainly performed in the ‘Sattras’- the monasteries in Assam. Srimanta Shankaradeva considered Krishna or Rama as the Supreme Lord- Parambrahma.
As the form evolved within the sattras, this dancing style became known as ‘Sattriya Nritya’. The Sattras still maintain severe discipline and devotion within their confines. Male dancers alone conduct this dance in a highly committed and spiritual manner. One of the main benefits of following the rules of the Sattras has been the capacity to preserve its original form and distinct style.