Explanation: Assam, a state in northeastern India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of dance forms deeply rooted in religious and cultural traditions. The dance arts of Assam are significantly influenced by Shaivism and Shaktism, two major religious traditions that have shaped the region's cultural expressions.
Shaivism is the worship of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Shiva is often depicted in various forms and aspects, such as the destroyer, the creator, and the preserver. In Assam, Shaivism has influenced the dance forms through the depiction of Shiva in sculptures and the incorporation of Shiva-related mythologies and stories into the dance narratives.
Shaktism, on the other hand, is the worship of the divine feminine, often represented by goddesses like Durga, Kali, and other forms of the Mother Goddess. These goddesses are powerful and revered figures in Assam's cultural and religious landscape. The dance forms in Assam often incorporate elements of Shaktism, with dancers portraying the various aspects of the goddesses and their mythological stories.
The sculptures found in Assam, particularly in ancient temples and historical sites, provide evidence of the influence of Shaivism and Shaktism on the region's dance arts. These sculptures often depict deities and mythological scenes associated with these traditions, which have been integrated into the dance forms. For example, the sculptures of Lord Shiva in various forms, such as Nataraja (the cosmic dancer), and the depictions of goddesses like Durga and Kali, are common in Assam's cultural heritage.
It is important to note that while other religious and cultural influences exist in Assam, such as Buddhism and Vaishnavism, the primary influences on the dance arts are Shaivism and Shaktism. The other options provided in the question, such as Tripalism, Donahakism, Durgaism, Jainism, Natyaism, and Sudarshanis, are either not recognized religious or cultural traditions in the context of Assam's dance arts or are not as significant as Shaivism and Shaktism.
In conclusion, the antique Assam dance arts that were inscripted were based on sculptures of Shaivism and Shaktism, reflecting the deep-rooted religious and cultural traditions of the region. Understanding these influences is crucial for comprehending the cultural and artistic expressions of Assam.