Rukmini Devi Arundale was a reputed dancer and choreographer of ________, an Indian classical dance form.
- ((a))
Bharatnatyam
- ((b))
Kuchipudi
- ((c))
Kathak
- ((d))
Yakshagana
Show Answer
Bharatnatyam
The correct answer is Bharatnatyam.

Key Points
- Rukmini Devi Arundale was a renowned Indian classical dancer and choreographer primarily associated with Bharatnatyam, one of the oldest and most revered classical dance forms of India.
- She is credited with revitalizing and re-establishing Bharatnatyam as a respected and celebrated art form, taking it from temple practices to the global stage.
- Rukmini Devi played a pivotal role in redefining Bharatnatyam by removing its earlier associations with social stigma and presenting it as a refined art form rooted in Indian culture and spirituality.
- Her efforts not only preserved the art form but also brought international recognition to Bharatnatyam, showcasing it as a medium to express devotion, mythology, and stories from ancient Indian texts.
- She also incorporated innovations in costume design and stage presentation, enhancing the visual appeal of Bharatnatyam performances.

Additional Information
- Bharatnatyam:
- Bharatnatyam is one of the eight officially recognized classical dance forms of India, originating in Tamil Nadu.
- It combines expressive gestures (Mudras), rhythmic movements, and storytelling, often portraying themes from Hindu mythology, particularly stories of Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Krishna.
- The dance is performed with intricate footwork and elaborate facial expressions, making it a form of storytelling through movement.
- Bharatnatyam is traditionally performed to Carnatic music and follows the Natya Shastra, an ancient Sanskrit text on performing arts.
- Rukmini Devi Arundale's Contributions:
- She was the first woman to perform Bharatnatyam on stage, breaking societal norms and re-establishing the dance form's prestige.
- Rukmini Devi introduced modern elements to Bharatnatyam, such as simplified costumes and innovative choreography, while maintaining its classical essence.
- She founded Kalakshetra, an academy dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional Indian arts, particularly Bharatnatyam.
- Other Classical Dance Forms in India:
- Kathak: Originating in North India, it emphasizes intricate footwork, spins, and storytelling through expressive gestures.
- Kuchipudi: A dance-drama performance style originating from Andhra Pradesh, often combining speech, music, and dance.
- Yakshagana: A traditional theatre form from Karnataka that combines dance, music, and dialogue, often depicting stories from Indian epics.
- Significance of Bharatnatyam:
- It is deeply rooted in Indian culture and serves as a medium to convey spiritual themes and stories from Hindu mythology.
- Beyond its artistic appeal, Bharatnatyam is considered a form of meditation and spiritual discipline.
- The dance form is celebrated globally, with performers and academies dedicated to its practice and promotion worldwide.

Important Points
- Rukmini Devi Arundale was the first woman to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha for her contributions to the arts.
- She was awarded several prestigious honors, including the Padma Bhushan in 1956 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1967.
- Bharatnatyam's revival and global popularity owe much to Rukmini Devi's dedication and vision.
- Her work ensured that the dance form gained recognition not only as a cultural heritage of India but also as a respected art form internationally.
