Biography:
Rukmini Devi Arundale (née Shastri; 29 February 1904 – 24 February 1986) was an Indian theosophist, dancer, and choreographer of the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam. She was a remarkable woman who not only revived and popularized Bharatanatyam but also made significant contributions to Indian arts, culture, and society.
Born into a Brahmin family in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on February 29, 1904, Rukmini Devi was raised in an environment that fostered a love for the arts. Her father, Neelakanta Shastri, was an engineer and a scholar, while her mother, Seshammal, was a music enthusiast. Being exposed to theosophical thought and the ideas of culture, theatre, music, and dance, Rukmini Devi developed a deep appreciation for the arts from a young age.
Deeply influenced by the Theosophical Movement, Rukmini Devi’s family eventually moved to Adyar, Chennai, where she came in contact with the prominent British theosophist Dr. George Arundale. Their meeting led to a strong bond, and they married in 1920 when Rukmini Devi was 16 years old, with Dr. Arundale being 26 years her senior. Their unconventional marriage caused quite a stir in the conservative society of the time.
After her marriage, Rukmini Devi traveled extensively, meeting fellow theosophists and forming friendships with notable figures such as Maria Montessori and James Cousins. She immersed herself in the theosophical teachings of Dr. Annie Besant and became actively involved in the Theosophical Society.
In 1923, Rukmini Devi became the President of the All-India Federation of Young Theosophists, and two years later, she became the President of the World Federation of Young Theosophists. These positions allowed her to engage with young people and promote theosophical ideas across India and the world.
In 1928, Rukmini Devi and her husband had the opportunity to witness a performance by the renowned Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova in Bombay. This encounter sparked an enduring friendship, and during a subsequent journey to Australia, Rukmini Devi had the opportunity to travel with Pavlova, further deepening their bond.
Inspired by her travels and exposure to various dance forms, Rukmini Devi felt a strong desire to revive Bharatanatyam, which was considered a vulgar art form at the time. The dance form had been associated with the Devadasis, the temple dancers of the sadhir style, who faced social stigma and exploitation. Rukmini Devi was determined to change these perceptions and bring Bharatanatyam into the mainstream.
She founded the Kalakshetra Foundation in 1936, an institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian arts and crafts. Under her guidance, Kalakshetra became a revered institution worldwide, attracting students and artists from all over. Rukmini Devi focused not only on the physical aspects of Bharatanatyam but also on its spiritual and ethical dimensions, instilling a sense of discipline and devotion in her students.
Rukmini Devi’s contribution to Bharatanatyam extended beyond the art form itself. She worked tirelessly to remove the eroticism that had become associated with the dance, making it more acceptable to Indian upper-caste elites and the British morality of the era. Through her efforts, Bharatanatyam regained its dignity and respectability, and it came to be recognized as one of the most revered classical dance forms of India.
Apart from her accomplishments in dance and the arts, Rukmini Devi was also a trailblazer in the field of politics. In 1983, she became the first woman in Indian history to be nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India. This appointment reflected her significant contributions to Indian society and her position as a prominent figure in the cultural and artistic world.
Rukmini Devi Arundale’s influence on Indian culture and society cannot be understated. She revived and popularized Bharatanatyam, established a world-renowned institution for the arts, and fought to remove the stigma associated with the dance form. Her vision and dedication have left an indelible mark on Indian classical dance, shining a light on its beauty and significance for generations to come.
Awards:
– Padma Bhushan (1956)
– Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1967)