Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904-1986) was a prominent Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and activist who is often credited with popularizing Bharatanatyam and reviving the Indian dance tradition. She was born in Madurai, India and was trained in Bharatanatyam, as well as in Western classical dance and music.
In the 1930s, Rukmini Devi Arundale founded the Kalakshetra Foundation, an arts and cultural institution based in Chennai that has since become a major center for the study and practice of Indian classical dance, music, and visual arts. Through Kalakshetra, Rukmini Devi Arundale worked to develop a modernized approach to Bharatanatyam that emphasized its spiritual and cultural roots, and helped to establish it as a respected art form both in India and abroad.
In addition to her work in dance and the arts, Rukmini Devi Arundale was also a prominent social activist and advocate for animal welfare. She was instrumental in the founding of the Animal Welfare Board of India and worked tirelessly to promote humane treatment of animals.
Rukmini Devi Arundale was widely recognized for her contributions to Indian culture and the arts, and received numerous awards and honors throughout her lifetime, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, two of India’s highest civilian honors. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of dancers, artists, and cultural activists in India and around the world.