Rukmani Devi Arundale

Born:

February 29, 1904, Madurai, British India

Died:

February 24, 1986, Chennai, India

Nationality:

Indian

Profession(s):

Bharatanatyam Dancer, Choreographer, Theosophist, Parliamentarian, Animal Welfare Activist, Educationist

Early Life and Education

• Born into a Brahmin family deeply involved with the Theosophical Society.
• Exposure to Theosophy and Annie Besant's teachings from a young age.
• Traveled extensively with her father, a civil engineer.
• Early interest in dance and the arts.

Career and Major Achievements

• One of the most important figures in the revival of Bharatanatyam from its original form of Sadir.
• Founded Kalakshetra in 1936, an institution dedicated to the preservation of Indian arts and culture.
• Nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha (Indian Parliament) twice.
• Championed animal welfare causes, advocating for stricter laws against animal cruelty.
• Pioneered the use of Indian classical music in Bharatanatyam performances.
• Refused the offer to become President of India.

Notable Works

• Choreographed numerous Bharatanatyam dance dramas based on Hindu epics and Puranas.
• Key works include the Ramayana Series and other productions depicting classical Indian narratives.
• Her interpretation and presentation of Bharatanatyam were distinct, focusing on purity and devotional expression.
• There are several audio recordings available of her work, including what some listeners might search for as 'adaraya nisa mp3 rukmani devi biography' related audio.

Legacy and Impact

Rukmani Devi Arundale's legacy lies in her significant contribution to the revival and preservation of Bharatanatyam, her pioneering work in the field of Indian arts education, and her dedication to animal welfare. She transformed Bharatanatyam from a marginalized art form into a respected and celebrated part of Indian culture.

Bharatanatyam Productions (Selected)

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