Nayana Jhaveri

🪔 About

Nayana Jhaveri (born June 12, 1927, in Pratapgarh, Rajasthan; died 1986) was a highly renowned Indian classical Manipuri dancer, teacher, and scholar, instrumental in bringing Manipuri dance from temple rituals to the global stage. She began her training in Manipuri dance in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1945 under the tutelage of the legendary Guru Bipin Singh. Her education further extended with training from Guru Amobi Singh, Guru Atomba Singh, and Guru Amudon Sharma in Manipur. As a professional Manipuri dancer throughout the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, Nayana Jhaveri was the lead dancer of the Jhaveri Sisters Classical Manipuri Dance Company, established in 1957 with her sisters Ranjana, Suverna, and Darshana. Together, the Jhaveri Sisters, alongside Guru Bipin Singh, played a pivotal role in popularizing Manipuri dance both in India and internationally, performing for world leaders and establishing institutions to teach the art form. Nayana Jhaveri was a pioneer in presenting dance dramas in the Manipuri style and held the rare distinction of being a non-Manipuri allowed to perform in the sacred Shri Govindaji temple in Manipur. In 1972, Nayana Jhaveri co-founded Manipuri Nartanalaya in Mumbai, with branches later expanding to Kolkata and Imphal, alongside her sisters and Guru Bipin Singh. Through this institution and her extensive travels, she dedicated her life to preserving and propagating the true devotional form of Manipuri dance, promoting it through performances, lectures, and writings, and running training centers. Her relentless efforts to establish a classical repertoire and bring the traditional temple Raslila form to wider audiences solidified her legacy as an outstanding exponent and contributor to Manipuri dance. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1977).