Tuesday, 21 October 2025

80 and more! - Dance Matters: Column by Ashish Mohan Khokar



1945: India wasn't even India but an assembly of kingdoms, some motely, some remotely controlled by the British. In this scenario, when struggle for freedom was at its peak, who would think of art, dance and higher learning? One family from Tanjore. Or Thanjavur, as called colloquially.

Sri Rajarajeswari Bharata Natya Kala Mandir gurus trudged a million bullock-cart miles those days to take their divine art far and wide. The history of the first families of Bharatanatyam dance is an unexplored area and much work needs to be done. These men and women and their children are to be respected as our national treasures because they gave their art freely, without often benefit or returns or rewards. In some countries like former USSR or Japan, classically trained artistes were higher pedestal than even royalty or rulers, film or TV stars! 

Read more in the site

Please type your name / email id along with your comment. Anonymous and derogatory comments will be removed.

4 comments:

  1. This article is so insightful. The author has the ability to connect the past and present seamlessly while giving all necessary information in a crisp and enjoyable tone. The description makes us feel a part of the audience, regardless of whether we were able to attend or not.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lovely Article Anna . It is Great initiative and carrying forward legacy worth appreciating.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very beautifully written about the birth of the institute it's legacy.golden era .
    It worth the read.
    Thank you sir for this enriching article

    ReplyDelete
  4. Namaste. Trust Khokarji to meticulously delienate legacies of the Gurus representing Indian divine art forms. The instant article is one such from his perpetually overflowing repertoire on the subject. Yes, it's extremely important to continue the Guru-Shishya parampara to ensure our traditional heritage thrives amid challenges. The article succinctly throws light on a family dedicated to the cause of the divine art form.

    ReplyDelete