Chandrabhaga Devi

🪔 About

U.K. Chandrabhaga Devi was a pioneering Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and institution-builder, widely recognized as the earliest woman proponent of the art form in Karnataka. Born on August 11, 1921, her bold entry into the dance world in the early 1940s was foundational in making classical dance a respectable pursuit for young girls from esteemed families. She married the academic and passionate dancer U.S. Krishna Rao on February 19, 1941, forming the first prominent dance couple in Karnataka. Their combined efforts were instrumental in popularizing Bharatanatyam and giving it significant social acceptance. Chandrabhaga Devi received her initial Bharatanatyam training in the Mysore bani under Kolar Puttappa. Later, in 1943, she and her husband underwent extensive training under the renowned Pandanallur Meenakshisundaram Pillai in Thanjavur. Together, they established the dance institution 'Maha Maya' in Bengaluru in 1942, which served as a vital center for training, choreography, lecture-demonstrations, and performances, attracting students from India and internationally. Chandrabhaga Devi was particularly acclaimed for her strength in abhinaya (expressive aspect of dance), and her teaching methodology emphasized clarity of meaning, nuanced expression, posture, and individual student grooming. She trained over 300 students throughout her career. Beyond her performing and teaching, Chandrabhaga Devi contributed significantly to the arts administration. She served as the Chairperson of the Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy, during which time she expanded festivals, workshops, and outreach activities, and strengthened publications and documentation initiatives related to dance. She co-authored "Nritya Kale" (Art of Dance) in Kannada in 1980 and "A Panorama of Indian Dances" with U.S. Krishna Rao. She passed away in 1997. Awards & Honours: Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1988), Karnataka Sangeet Nritya Academy Award, Nritya Kala Siromani, Rajyotsava Award, Shantala Award, E. Krishna Iyer Medal (2002).