SATTRIYA DANCE: AN AESTHETICAL OUTLOOK

Abstract

Aesthetic is the pursuits of one’s individual mind. The theory or sense of beauty is always in connotation with art appreciation or criticism and is cultivated in the responsive spectators. The aesthetic experience evolve among the sahridaya and varies from person to person depending upon the perception of beauty. Indian Classical Dances are sacred art forms associated with the union of individual soul with the Absolute. They imbibe the spiritual values. Sattriya dance, one of the classical dance form from Assam, created by the great saint Sankaradeva in the 15th -16th century was a product of neo-vaishnavite movement. This form carrying the legacy of living tradition till today is performed in the Sattra precinct as a ritual service to appease the almighty while simultaneously seen performing on stage to appease the audience. This research paper is an attempt to assess the aesthetic qualities of Sattriya dance and to evaluate the aesthetic experience that arise out of the dance form in the minds of the spectators. The paper will be based on secondary sources comprising magazines, books, journals and internet content.