Kalavati Devi

🪔 About

Kalavati Devi, born in 1948 in Nambol village, Manipur, is a distinguished exponent of Manipuri dance. Her extensive training in Manipuri dance was under the tutelage of eminent gurus including Shrimati Khetri Ombi Devi, Shrimati Aiga Kumari Devi, and her husband, Guru Bipin Singh. Beyond dance, she also received vocal music training from Shrimati Gambhini Devi and learned Pung-playing (Manipuri drum) from Shri Ibungomacha Sharma and Shri Meitei Omba Singh. Kalavati Devi commenced her teaching career in the mid-1960s at Shri Govindajee Nartanalaya in Manipur. A pivotal moment in her career came in 1972 when she established a branch of the Manipuri Nartanalaya in Calcutta (now Kolkata). This institution was originally founded by her teacher and husband, Guru Bipin Singh, in collaboration with the renowned Jhaveri sisters. At the Calcutta center, Kalavati Devi significantly contributed to the art form by conducting numerous workshops and choreographing several dance-dramas, many of which were based on the works of Rabindranath Tagore. Her academic contributions include heading the department of Manipuri dance at Rabindra Bharati University in Calcutta, where she was instrumental in training a new generation of promising dancers. She also co-authored several authoritative books on Manipuri dance, such as *Manipuri Nartan*, *Manipuri Tala Prakash*, and *Shastriya Manipuri Nartan*, in collaboration with Shrimati Darshana Jhaveri. As a performer, Kalavati Devi has graced stages across India and in various countries abroad, showcasing the richness and authenticity of Manipuri dance. Together with Guru Bipin Singh and the Jhaveri Sisters, Kalavati Devi played a crucial role in systematizing Manipuri dance, bringing it from its traditional temple settings to global stages while meticulously preserving its purity. They developed a comprehensive, scientific eight-year training course that integrated both the theoretical principles from Vaishnava Shastras and the practical oral traditions of Manipur. Her legacy is continued through institutions like Manipuri Nartanalaya in Kolkata, which upholds the distinctive style developed by her and Guru Bipin Singh. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (for Manipuri Dance) (2003), Manipur State Kala Academy Honour (2003).