---
title: "Ankia Naat and Bhaona: Assam's Devotional Theatre"
description: "Ankia Naat is Sankardeva's 16th-century one-act Vaishnava play; Bhaona is its staging in Assam's sattras. Key UPSC GS1 art-and-culture topic explained."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/ankia-naat"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Ankia Naat is a one-act devotional play in Brajavali created by Srimanta Sankardeva in 16th-century Assam, and Bhaona is its theatrical performance.
- What is the difference between Ankia Naat and Bhaona?
- Who created Ankia Naat and in what language?
- What is the role of the Sutradhara in a Bhaona?
- How does Ankia Naat relate to Sattriya dance?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Ankia Naat is a one-act devotional play in Brajavali created by Srimanta Sankardeva in 16th-century Assam, and Bhaona is its theatrical performance.

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In November 2023, sattras across Majuli island in Assam staged Ankia Naat performances as Bhaona during the Raas Mahotsav, with bhakats of Kamalabari Sattra enacting episodes from Krishna's life before large public audiences.

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