Coordinates: 12.9881° N 80.26500° E Kalakshetra is a cultural academy for preservation of traditional values in Indian art, especially in the field of dance and music. It was started in January 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale, it became a centre of excellence due to her dedication and perseverance. Under her guidance the institution achieved national and international recognition for its unique style and perfection. Over the years it grew in stature and strength. In 1962, Kalakshetra shifted to its vast new campus in Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai, India. Map of Earth showing lines of latitude (horizontally) and longitude (vertically), Eckert VI projection; large version (pdf, 1. ... A miniature, Kishengarh, Jaipur, Rajasthan Indian cave art at Bhimbetka The vast scope of the art of India intertwines with the cultural history, religions and philosophies which place art production and patronage in social and cultural contexts. ... 1936 (MCMXXXVI) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... Rukmini Devi Arundale Rukmini Devi Arundale (b. ... Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Thiruvanmiur is an adjacent town to the famous Besant Nagar in the Indian city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras. ... , “Madras” redirects here. ...

The Founder

The founder of the well-known Kalakshtra Foundation was Rukmini Devi Arundale, also known as Rukmini Devi. She was born on the 29th of Februaury in 1904, in a rich Indian family. She was the first ever well-off person to dance the traditional dance, which is very famous today, 'Bharatanatyam'. She was the main pioneer who brought out Indian traditional arts (especially Bharatanatyam) to the world. She married the prominent British Theosophist Dr. George Arundale and followed Annie Besant. She was moved by Annie Besant's priciples to create the Theosophical society. She later invited Maria Montessori to visit India. Maria Montessori started montessori methods in the Besant school. That was when the montessori method became famous in India. Rukmini Devi is known today, as a great person, she is a role model to many dancers. Moroarji Desai suggested that he would nominate Rukmini Devi for the post of President of India, which she graciously turned down. She has made Kalakshetra a great and famous place to learn Indian traditional arts.

Literature

• Fredericks, Leo: Poet in Kalakshetra. Madras 1977
• Kalakshetra Foundation (Hrsg.): Kalakshetra Brochure
• Nachiappan, C.: Rukmini Devi, Bharata Natya. Kalakshetra Publications, Chennai 2003
• Nachiappan, C.: Rukmini Devi, Dance Drama. Kalakshetra Publications, Chennai 2003
• Ramani, Shakuntala: Sari, the Kalakshetra tradition. Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai 2002
• Sarada, S.: Kalakshetra-Rukmini Devi, reminiscences. Kala Mandir Trust, Madras 1985

External links

• Kalakshetra official website
• [1]
• [2]
• [3]
• [4]