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Rukmini Devi
On 30 December 1935, thirty-one year old Rukmini Devi created history with her performance of Sadir, later known as Bharata Natyam, which had until then been confined to temple precincts and was the preserve of devadasis. A celebrated artiste and dancer, she was also a Theosophist, a composer of acclaimed dance-dramas, an educationist, an animal welfare and child rights activist, and a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha. This rich biography illuminates her many lives.
Rukmini?s early life was in the districts of Madras presidency where her father, an engineer, was posted, and it took many dramatic her marriage in 1920 to George Arundale, a Theosophist and family friend, caused public outrage, particularly among the Madras brahmins. She was closely associated with Annie Besant, who became her mentor, and her meeting with Anna Pavlova inspired her to learn dance. Rukmini went on to establish Kalakshetra, an academy of arts, in 1936, which grew and flourished, and is renowned to this day for its classicism in dance training and performance?a tribute to her skill as an institution builder.
Rukmini?s early life was in the districts of Madras presidency where her father, an engineer, was posted, and it took many dramatic her marriage in 1920 to George Arundale, a Theosophist and family friend, caused public outrage, particularly among the Madras brahmins. She was closely associated with Annie Besant, who became her mentor, and her meeting with Anna Pavlova inspired her to learn dance. Rukmini went on to establish Kalakshetra, an academy of arts, in 1936, which grew and flourished, and is renowned to this day for its classicism in dance training and performance?a tribute to her skill as an institution builder.
- GenresNonfiction
243 pages
Published May 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 2, 2020
Wonderful biography of Rukmini Devi ( and Kalakshetra ) by Leela Samson ( an alumnus and former director of this great institution ) .
March 12, 2019
Absolutely inspiring & motivating to read the legend Rukmini Devi & how she grows up to become this enigmatic woman through the ups & downs of her life.
July 11, 2021
Rukmini Devi is a remarkable woman who broke many norms, learnt dance at the age of 31, revived Sadir into Bharatnatyam, a socially acceptable dance form, established Kalakshetra as a centre of art and dance, brought the prevention of cruelty to animals act as an MP and won so many accolades for her contribution to art and culture. She declined her nomination to be President of India to continue her work in the arts.
This book is filled with photographs. It doesn’t shy away from talking about the tussle between Theosophical society and Kalakshetra.
She was fearless and always spoke her mind. Despite her love for traditions, she never shied away from bringing change.
Rukmini on women’s rights, “I do not desire to be equal to men. I wish to be superior.” “Do not let us ask for it. No one has to give you what is rightfully yours. Merely take it and you shall have it.”
Dr. George Sidney Arundale, the educator and Rulmini’s husband was warm and admired by everyone around him. He had a profound influence on Rukmini. His attitude shines from these words:“We must never be so narrowly sensitive that we cannot bear opposition to our most sacred and cherished convictions. All that we have we must hold lightly, so that we may be ready to let go when the time for change comes.”
Rukmini’s views on preserving artists over art is so relevant. “Why do you preserve art? You cannot pickle it by keeping recordings of it. A hundred years hence we may not hear our music. Preserving it is useful, but preserving the artists is more useful. Propagating it is vital. Help the artists and their art will be preserved naturally. It has to exist in life…and in human expression…it has to be personally given…and personally demonstrated.”
Her views on marriage, “I do not understand why in this country we insist that everybody must get married! I think it is a menace, especially in regard to girls who have been made to feel that marriage is their only security. We should make it a point to see that every girl is able to stand on her own feet.”
“We seem to see wealth only in gold, silver and rupees and not in trees, animals, water and air!”
It is incredible how she had a vision for Kalakshetra and it’s beautiful campus. What stands as a sprawling campus with a majestic banyan tree was once a barren land. The very idea of learning under the trees and living in simple cottages and performing in an open air theatre is inspiring.
This book is filled with photographs. It doesn’t shy away from talking about the tussle between Theosophical society and Kalakshetra.
She was fearless and always spoke her mind. Despite her love for traditions, she never shied away from bringing change.
Rukmini on women’s rights, “I do not desire to be equal to men. I wish to be superior.” “Do not let us ask for it. No one has to give you what is rightfully yours. Merely take it and you shall have it.”
Dr. George Sidney Arundale, the educator and Rulmini’s husband was warm and admired by everyone around him. He had a profound influence on Rukmini. His attitude shines from these words:“We must never be so narrowly sensitive that we cannot bear opposition to our most sacred and cherished convictions. All that we have we must hold lightly, so that we may be ready to let go when the time for change comes.”
Rukmini’s views on preserving artists over art is so relevant. “Why do you preserve art? You cannot pickle it by keeping recordings of it. A hundred years hence we may not hear our music. Preserving it is useful, but preserving the artists is more useful. Propagating it is vital. Help the artists and their art will be preserved naturally. It has to exist in life…and in human expression…it has to be personally given…and personally demonstrated.”
Her views on marriage, “I do not understand why in this country we insist that everybody must get married! I think it is a menace, especially in regard to girls who have been made to feel that marriage is their only security. We should make it a point to see that every girl is able to stand on her own feet.”
“We seem to see wealth only in gold, silver and rupees and not in trees, animals, water and air!”
It is incredible how she had a vision for Kalakshetra and it’s beautiful campus. What stands as a sprawling campus with a majestic banyan tree was once a barren land. The very idea of learning under the trees and living in simple cottages and performing in an open air theatre is inspiring.
August 14, 2012
A lovely book. For a biography to keep me turning pages right through is simply wonderful! The detail in the book and the affection with which it has been written make the book stand out.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews