Rukmini devi arundale biography definition

Indian dancer and choreographer (–)

Rukmini Devi Arundale (née Sastri; 29 February &#;– 24 February )^[1] was an Indian theosophist, dancer and choreographer of the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam, and an activist for animal welfare.

She was the first woman in Indian history to be nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India. The most important revivalist of Bharatanatyam from its original 'sadhir' style prevalent amongst the temple dancers, the Devadasis, she also worked for the re-establishment of traditional Indian arts and crafts.

Rukmini devi arundale biography definition

She espoused the cause of Bharatanatyam which was considered a vulgar art form in the early s. Recognising its beauty and value, she not only learned the dance, but also presented it on stage despite strong public protests.

Rukmini Devi features in India Today's list of ' People Who Shaped India'.^[2] She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in ,^&