UPSC Prelims 2014 Q83: Art & Culture – Classical Dance Forms
With reference to Sattriya, consider the following statements:
1. It is a combination of music, dance and drama.
2. It is a centuries - old living tradition of the Vaishnavites of Assam.
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and
Mirabai.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Sattriya
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It is a combination of music, dance and drama | Correct | It grew out of the dance-dramas called Ankiya Nat |
| 2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of the Vaishnavites of Assam | Correct | Started in the 15th century by Srimanta Sankardeva |
| 3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai | Incorrect | Its songs are Borgeets by Sankardeva and Madhavdeva |
Key facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name from | Sattras, the Vaishnava monasteries of Assam |
| Performed by | Originally male monks (bhokots) |
| Instruments | Khol (drum), cymbals, flute |
| Classical status | Recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000 |
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true: it is a tradition of the Vaishnavites of Assam.
- (b) CORRECT. Sattriya combines music, dance and drama and belongs to Assam's Vaishnavites.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; its songs are not by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.
- (d) Incorrect. The songs are Borgeets of Sankardeva, not of north Indian saints.
Key point
Sattriya: Assam's classical dance from the sattras; founded by Sankardeva (15th century); Ankiya Nat and Borgeets; recognised as classical in 2000.
Remember
Sattriya = Assam, Sankardeva, sattras.
Common mistakes
- Linking it to north Indian bhakti poets instead of Sankardeva.
- Forgetting that it became a classical dance only in 2000.
- Confusing Sattriya with Manipuri dance.
Exam tip
Sattriya comes from 'sattra' (monastery). Its saint is Sankardeva, its songs are Borgeets.
Sources
- Sangeet Natak Akademi — Sattriya
- Centre for Cultural Resources and Training — Classical dances of India: Sattriya