Consider the following statements about Sattriya dance: 1. Sattriya was introduced and systematised by Srimanta Sankardev in the Vaishnavite sattras (monastic centres) of Assam. 2. Traditionally, Sattriya performances were restricted to male monks (bhakats) and not performed on public theatre stages. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2 . Key Points Sattriya originated in Assam and was introduced and systematised by Srimanta Sankardev (15th–16th century) within the Vaishnavite sattras (monastic institutions). Traditionally, Sattriya was performed in the religious and ritual context of sattras by male monks (bhakats) as part of devotional enactments (Nritya-Natya), rather than as secular stage shows. The form emphasises devotional themes (Raslila and Krishna-Bhakti), uses structured choreography, and relies on instruments like khol (drum), taal (cymbals) and bansuri (flute). Sattriya technique includes distinctive group choreography, graceful torso and hand movements, and specific costumes such as traditional dhoti and ornamentation for male performers. In modern times Sattriya has moved onto national and international stages and has been institutionalised in universities and cultural academies, though its monastic origins remain a key identifying feature. Additional Information Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) recognises eight classical dance forms of India. Sangeet Natak Akademi was established in 1952 and its headquarters is located in New Delhi. According to the Ministry of Culture, India recognises nine classical dance forms, where Chhau is included as the ninth classical dance. Chhau dance was recognised by the Ministry of Culture in the year 2000 . Chhau dance is mainly associated with West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha , and is known for martial movements and vigorous steps. Dance Form Place of Origin Major Artists Key Features Bharatanatyam Tamil Nadu Rukmini Devi Arundale, Balasaraswati, Padma Subrahmanyam Alarmel Valli • Old name: Sadir / Sadir-Attam • Related to Lord Shiva ( Nataraja ) • Fire element • Main posture: Araimandi Kathak North India Birju Maharaj Sitara Devi Kumudini Lakhia Shovana Narayan • Gharanas: Lucknow, Jaipur, Benaras • Related to Lord Krishna • Known for intricate footwork • Key feature: Chakkars Kathakali Kerala Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair Kalamandalam Gopi Margi Madhu Sadanam Harikumar • Early form: Ramanattam • Based on Ramayana & Mahabharata • Ether (Sky) element • Known for elaborate makeup Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh Vempati Chinna Satyam Yamini Krishnamurthy Raja Reddy Radha Reddy • Earlier form: Kuchipudi Yakshaganam • Related to Lord Krishna • Earth element • Special item: Tarangam Odissi Odisha Kelucharan Mohapatra Sonal Mansingh Madhavi Mudgal Sujata Mohapatra • Mahari tradition • Related to Lord Jagannath • Water element • Main posture: Tribhanga Manipuri Manipur Guru Bipin Singh Rajkumar Singhajit Singh Maisnam Amubi Singh Jhaveri Sisters • Raslila tradition • Related to Radha–Krishna • Known for soft movements • Costume: Potloi Mohiniyattam Kerala Kalyanikutty Amma Bharati Shivaji Neena Prasad Gopika Varma • Mohini legend • Related to Lord Vishnu • Air element • Feature: Swaying torso Sattriya Assam Jatin Goswami Indira P. P. Bora Ramkrishna Talukdar Ghanakanta Bora • Systematised by Sankardev • Vaishnav Bhakti tradition • Known for group choreography • Style: Nritya–Natya