Which of the following dance forms was introduced by the great Vaishnava saint and reformer Mahapurush Sankardeva of Assam in the 15th century?

The correct answer is Sattriya . Key Points The great Vaishnava saint and reformer Mahapurush Sankardeva of Assam , who lived in the 15th and 16th centuries, introduced the Sattriya dance form. Sattriya is a classical dance that originated in the monasteries (Satras) of Assam and was initially performed by male monks as part of their daily rituals or to mark special festivals. It was recognized as one of the eight classical dance forms of India by the Sangeet Natak Academy in 2000. Sattriya dance combines elements of drama, music, and dance to narrate mythological stories, primarily from the Bhagavata Purana, fostering devotion among the audience. Over time, it has evolved and now includes performances by both men and women, while still maintaining its traditional and religious significance. Additional Information Lavani ​ Lavani is a traditional form of dance and music popular in the state of Maharashtra , India. It is characterized by its energetic rhythms, lively beats, and expressive performances. Lavani art form combines dance and music wherein the performers, traditionally women, dress in colorful sarees with heavy jewelry and perform to the tunes of dholki (a percussion instrument), harmonium, and other instruments. The word "Lavani" is derived from the word "Lavanya," which means beaut y. Lavani is performed to the beat of engaging songs that typically revolve around themes of love, society, religion, politics, and humor. The songs are sung in Marathi and are an integral part of the performance, as they narrate the story or theme the dancer communicates through her dance. Kathak ​ Kathak is one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance. It is known for its intricate footwork, rapid spins (chakkars), extensive use of hand and facial expressions to convey stories and emotions, and sophisticated storytelling elements. The term "Kathak" derives from "Katha," a Sanskrit word meaning "story," and accordingly, Kathak dancers are storytellers who use their dance to narrate tales from ancient scriptures and epics, such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, along with other themes that might include aspects of daily life, philosophy, and mythology. The style of Kathak is often divided into three main gharanas (schools or styles), which are named after the regions where they were developed: the Jaipur Gharana , known for its emphasis on footwork and vibrant energy; the Lucknow Gharana , celebrated for its grace, expressiveness, and delicacy of movements; and the Banaras Gharana , which blends elements of the other two gharanas and incorporates its distinctive flair. Mohiniyattam ​Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form that originates from the state of Kerala in South India . It is one of the eight recognized Indian classical dance forms and is distinctive for its gentle, graceful movements that epitomize femininity and beauty. The name "Mohiniyattam" literally translates to "the dance of the enchantress," with "Mohini" referring to a female avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, who is mythologically known for her power to enchant and mesmerize, and "Attam" meaning dance.