U.S. Krishna Rao

🪔 About

Professor U.S. Krishna Rao, born Ubhayakar Shivaram Krishna Rao on December 31, 1912, in Mallapura, North Kanara District, Karnataka, was a pioneering Bharatanatyam guru, dancer, choreographer, and author. He passed away on March 6, 2005, in Bangalore at the age of 92. Academically accomplished, he held an M.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Mysore and served as a chemistry lecturer for several years before dedicating himself entirely to dance. His initial dance training in Bharatanatyam began in 1939 under Guru Kolar Puttappa, followed by Kathakali instruction from Guru Kunju Kurup in 1941-42. In 1943, Krishna Rao, alongside his wife and dance partner U.K. Chandrabhaga Devi, underwent extensive training in the Pandanallur style of Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of Pandanallur Meenakshisundaram Pillai in Thanjavur. Their decision to pursue Bharatanatyam was groundbreaking, as it was uncommon for Brahmin individuals to enter the field at that time, leading to social ostracism. Despite these challenges, they emerged as one of India's most eminent dancing couples, significantly contributing to the propagation of Bharatanatyam in Karnataka. In 1942, they established their dance school, 'Maha Maya,' in Bangalore, which trained numerous students who later achieved international acclaim. Krishna Rao was also an accomplished choreographer, creating notable dance-dramas such as 'The Temptation of Buddha,' 'Rani Shantala,' 'Geeta Govinda,' and 'Kama Dahana.' He served as an Honorary Professor of Dance at Bangalore University from 1973 to 1977. Beyond performance and teaching, he was a prolific author, penning significant works like 'Adhunika Bharatadalli Nritya Kale' and 'Bharata Natya Nighantu' in Kannada, and 'A Dictionary of Bharata Natya' and 'A Panorama of Indian Dances' in English. He also co-authored 'Nritya Kale' with Chandrabhaga Devi. A trained musician, he played the flute, tabla, and harmonium, and mentored many musicians for dance accompaniment. His legacy is marked by his unwavering dedication to Bharatanatyam, his extensive teaching, and his scholarly contributions to dance literature. Awards & Honours: Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987), Karnataka Sangeet Nritya Academy Award, Nritya Kala Siromani, Rajyotsava Award, Shantala Award, E. Krishna Iyer Medal (2002), Mysore Government State Award.