Consider the following statements with respect to the Sattriya dance form : 1. It was introduced by Vaishnava saint and reformer of Assam, Sankaradeva. 2. Sattriya was given the status of classical dance by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2 . Key Points Sattriya dance - The Sattriya dance form was introduced in the 15th century A.D by the great V aishnava saint and reformer of Assam, Mahapurusha Sankaradeva as a powerful medium for the propagation of the Vaishnava faith. Hence statement 1 is correct. The dance form evolved and expanded as a distinctive style of dance later on. This neo-Vaishnava treasure of Assamese dance and drama has been, for centuries , nurtured and preserved with great commitment by the Sattras i.e. Vaishnava maths or monasteries. Because of its religious character and association with the Sattras , this dance style has been aptly named Sattriya. Sankaradeva introduced this dance form by incorporating different elements from various treatises, local folk dances with his own rare outlook. Sattriya dance tradition is governed by strictly laid down principles in respect of hastamudras, footworks, aharyas, music etc . This tradition has two distinctly separate streams - the Bhaona-related repertoire starting from the Gayan-Bhayanar Nach to the Kharmanar Nach, secondly the dance numbers which are independent, such as Chali, Rajagharia Chali, Jhumura, Nadu Bhangi etc. Among them, the Chali is characterized by gracefulness and elegance, while the Jhumura is marked by vigour and majestic beauty. Though long recognized as a traditional dance form, Sattriya was given the status of classical dance in the year 2000 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. ​ Hence statement 2 is correct. Additional Information Sangeet Natak Akademi - It is India's national academy for music, dance and drama It is the first National Academy of the arts set up by the Republic of India. It was created by a resolution of the (then) Ministry of Education , Government of India, dated 31 May 1952 notified in the Gazette of India of June 1952. The Akademi became functional the following year, with the appointment of its first Chairman, Dr. P.V. Rajamannar , and the formation of its all-India council of representatives, the General Council. The Sangeet Natak Academy recognizes eight dances as classical dance forms – Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali, Sattriya, Manipuri and Mohiniyattam.