Kalakshetra or 'Temple of Art' was established in the year 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale. It is an institution which is devoted to classical dance, music as well as traditional textile designs and weaving. She wanted to develop Kalakshetra as a cultural academy which would aim at preserving the traditional dance forms which were falling to disrepute. She also attempted to integrate different dance forms and variants. She invited the best of students as well as noted teachers, musicians and artists to be a part of this institution
Rukmini Devi Arundale aimed at reviving the Indian dance forms which were not considered respectable during that time. Kalakshetra is situated on a 100-acre plot in Thiruvanmiyur in South Chennai and has students from all over the world. These students are trained in the ancient gurukul system. This institution has come to be associated with the cultivation as well as promotion of the ancient cultural traditions of India. The training of young and talented people by noted teachers from the field of arts, who have a background of religious spirit, was the main aim of the institute.
Rukmini Devi beautifully expressed the sole purpose of Kalakshetra. She said that the institute was established "with the sole purpose of resuscitating in modern India recognition of the priceless artistic traditions of our country and of imparting to the young the true spirit of Art, devoid of vulgarity and commercialism."
There is a theater within the Kalakshetra which has been built according to the Natya Shastra. In this institute, research is also conducted on the works of several renowned Sanskrit scholars before staging dance productions. This is done not only for the Indian audience but also for major world theaters.
Kalakshetra also has a Craft Education and Research Center which is famous for reviving the traditional South Indian sari patterns as well as colors in silk and cotton. The Hand Block Printing Unit in the institute works with hand-carved wooden blocks to create attractive saris, dress materials and home linen. These units are considered to be a good source of livelihood for destitute women from the poorer sections of society.
The alumni of Kalakshetra include the likes of Krishnaveni Lakshaman, Ambika Buch, Radha Burnier, Sarada Hoffman, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay and Sanjukta Panigrahi. Other members of the alumni are C.V. Chandrasekhar, Shanta and V.P. Dhananjayan, Adyar Lakshaman, Yamini Krishnamoorthy and Leela Samson.
In the year 1993, through an Act of Indian Parliament, the Kalakshetra Foundation was acknowledged as an Institution of National importance. This has made the institution popular among the lovers of fine arts.
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