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[[Category:Leaders|Arundale, Rukmini Devi]]
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[[Category:Educators|Arundale, Rukmini Devi]]
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[[Category:TS Adyar|Arundale, Rukmini Devi]]


== Early years ==

Rukmini Devi was born on February 29, 1904, into a Brahmin family in the city of Madurai, South India. Her father, Sr, A. Nilakanta Sastri of Thiruvisanellur, was an engineer and a respected Sanskrit scholar. His wife, Srimati Seshammal,came from a very cultured family of Thiruvaiyar.<ref>Joseaph E. Ross, ''Spirit of Womanhood,'' privately published by the author, 2009.</ref> They were "strongly influenced by theosophical ideas to which they had been introduced in 1901. When her father retired, he settled in Chennai close to the headquarters of the Theosophical Society.” <ref>Theosophical Order of Service, TOS In-Touch.online www.international.theoservice.org/e-news/20/en20-02.html  No. 20 (February 2012), accessed February 28, 2012.</ref>

== Marriage ==
 
On April 27, 1920 the 16-year-old girl married [[George S. Arundale|Dr. George S. Arundale]], a 44-year-old Englishman who was a Theosophist prominent in Indian education at [[Central Hindu College]]. It was said to be a spiritual marriage, intended as a challenge to the caste system. The ceremony was conducted by Alladi Mahadeva Shastri.<ref>”Sarada Hoffman,” KutcheriBuzz Website www.kutcheribuzz.com/features/interviews/sarada.asp, accessed February 28, 2012. </ref> Rukmini and her family were ostracized by their Brahmin associates, but with support of Theosophists, the Indian public eventually adjusted to the marriage.

== Theosophical Society ==

Rukmini joined the Society shortly after her marriage, in June, 1920. In 1923, she became the President of the All India Federation of Young Theosophists, and in 1925 the President of the World Federation of Young Theosophists.

As wife of George Arundale, Rukmini Devi would have been notable in the Theosophical Society even if she had not been such a strong and unique person in her own right. She accompanied her husband on many of his lecture tours around the world, and was acclaimed as a speaker and dancer everywhere. Dr. Arundale assumed the Presidency in1933, and continued in this role until his death in 1945. Rukmini was only 39 years old when he died. They had shared an interest in young people and education.

== Introduction to dance ==

During a 1926 ocean journey to Australia, the Arundales met Ann Pavlova, the great Russian ballerina, and struck up a friendship. Pavlova taught Rukmini ballet movements, and encouraged her to dance, not only in ballet, but in the classical tradition of India. Rukmini Devi became interested in a dance, the “Sadir attam,” that was performed by a class of dancing girls who were widely viewed as disreputable. She could see beyond the tacky costumes and vulgarity of the dance to its inner beauty. Since women of her caste were never permitted to associate with the dancers, it took considerable effort for her to find someone who could teach her. However, she did learn the movements and refined the dance, bringing it closer to its original artistic form under the name “Bharathanatyam.” 

Her first public performance was at the Diamond Jubilee Convention of the Theosophical Society. (TOS)

== Kalakshetra ==

In January 1936, the Arundales founded the International Academy of the Arts, now known as [[Kalakshetra]]. 

She continued to development dances representing the Ramayana and other classical texts of India to bring forth their spiritual concepts. Every detail was scrupulously researched, to achieve a sense of authentic Indian culture…………………. Costumes, stage settings, language, and music all received her attention…………… aesthetic.

More about Kalkshetra in a separate article…………………..
In 1994 an Act of the Indian Parliament recognized the Kalashetra Foundation as an ‘Institute of national Importance.’ (TOS)


1962, Kalakshetra moved to a new campus in Besant Nagar, Chennai, India.
In 1993, an Act of the Indian Parliament recognised the Kalakshetra Foundation as an Institution of National Importance.

Kalakshetra literally means a holy place of arts (Kala : Arts, Kshetra : Field
or Holy place). The name Kalakshetra was suggested by Pandit S. Subramania Sastri, a Sanskrit scholar and member of the academy. Deriving inspiration from this noble ideal, Kalakshetra was established, in the words of Rukmini Devi, "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." The training of young and talented people by masters of art, with the background of a religious spirit, has been its main aim.

[[Radha Burnier]] was the first graduate of the school, and Sarada Hoffman was the second.<ref>”Sarada Hoffman,” KutcheriBuzz Website www.kutcheribuzz.com/features/interviews/sarada.asp, accessed February 28, 2012. </ref>
 
== World-Mother ==

In much the same way that [[Jiddu Krishnamurti]] was proclaimed to be the [[World Teacher]] by [[Annie Besant]] and [[Charles Leadbeater]],

== Political activities ==

From 1952 to 1962, Rukmini was a member of the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. She was instrumental in passing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 and for later setting up the Animal Welfare Board of India.<ref> TOS………..</ref>

She was well acquainted with Indian Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi, Morarji Desai, and Rajiv Gandhi.  Mr. Desai offered to nominate her for the post of President of India in 1977, but she declined, preferring to continue with her many other responsibilities.

== Views of education ==

"If we are true to the spirit of real education, we must make it creative."<ref>Rukmini Devi Arundale, ''The Teacher and the Pupil'' (Tiruvanmiyur, India : European Committee of the Besant Cultural Centre, 19??), 4.</ref>

== Crafts Council of India ==

From 1975 to 1986, Rukmini served as President of the Crafts Council of India, a nonprofit organization supporting the education of young people in traditional Indian crafts such as stone carving, pottery, and textiles. Her many other commitments prevented her from participating in the day-to-day operations of the organization, but she provided guidance, advice, and encouragement to .<ref>Radha Menon, “Homage to Rukmini Devi,” ’’Kalakshetra News, Golden Jubilee Year: Rukmini Devi Memorial Issue’’(1986),  23.</ref>

== Animal welfare work ==
According to the [[Theosophical Order of Service]]:
<blockquote> 
Rukmini Devi was committed to improving the welfare of animals in India and worked tirelessly to promote an awareness of the sanctity of all life. She wrote and spoke regularly about animal welfare, saying that we need to be the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves…. She was instrumental in establishing the legislation for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and for later setting up the Animal Welfare Board o f India.<ref> TOS………..</ref>
</blockquote>
 
== Indian Vegetarian Congress ==

The Indian Vegetarian Congress was founded by Rukmini in 1959, and she served as President for many years. The organization encourages vegetarianism by”<ref> Indian Vegetarian Congress Website  http://www.vegcongress.org/, accessed February 29, 2012.</ref> 

== Famous friends and connections ==

Frequently Rukmini mentioned [[Maria Montessori|'''Dr. Maria Montessori''']], whom she knew well. "Madame Montessori as a person when she was nearly eighty one, was one of the most youthful human beings I had ever come across. One could easily have said that she was eighty years young. It is the same with many others whom I have seen working with children, because being in the company of children has given them a new outlook, a new experience, so that they are eternally alive and youthful in the right sense of the term."<ref>Rukmini Devi Arundale, ''The Teacher and the Pupil'' (Tiruvanmiyur, India : European Committee of the Besant Cultural Centre, 19??), 4.</ref> This youthful attitude exemplified Rukmini, as well.

'''Peter Finch''', the famous British, was close to Rukmini in his youth. His wife wrote, 

<blockquote>
When he had been a child,he had been abandoned in Madras in India, in the charge of a grandmother whose sole interest was the Theosophical Society. She lived near a temple, attended meetings with Annie Besant, was a disciple of Krishnamurti.
<br>
<br>
Peter had been brought there and lived amongst the Buddhist monks. His head was shaven, he was dressed in a saffron robe and daily, went as other monks, did, begging for his food from door to door. Rukmini was then a young woman, living near the temple. She was appalled at his condition, angered at his neglect. She adopted him into her family. She fed him made him wash, and speaking English, undertook his spiritual education. He looked upon her as a mother, attached himself to her and loved her as he had never loved his real mother.<ref> Tamara Finch, “Unexpected Phone Call,” ‘’Kalakshetra News, Golden Jubilee Year: Rukmini Devi Memorial Issue’’ (1986), 32.</ref>
  
</blockquote>

== Awards  and honors ==
[[File:Stamp 1987.jpg|150px|thumb|left|1987 stamp]]
[[File:Stamp 2009.jpg|100px|thumb|right|2009 stamp]]

''India Today'' includes Rukmini Devi Arundale in the list of '''"100 People Who Shaped India"''' that was featured its Millenium Edition. <ref>N. Pattabhi Raman, "Rukmini Devi:Czarina of Dance," ''India Today'' Millenium Edition (2000), available online at iToday Website [http://www.india-today.com/itoday/millennium/100people/rukmini.html], accessed March 1, 2012.</ref> In 1967, Rukmini was made a Fellow in the '''Sangeet Natak Akademi''', which is the highest honour in the performing arts conferred by the Government of India. She had previously received a monetary award from the Akademi in 1957. The government of Madhya Pradesh awarded her with the '''Kalidas Samman''', a prestigious annual arts prize, in 1984. Indira Gandhi presented the '''“Desikottama” Award''' of the Viswabharati University.<ref>’’Kalakshetra News, Golden Jubilee Year: Rukmini Devi Memorial Issue’’(1986),  18.</ref>
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<br>
The nation of India has honored her by issuance of '''commemorative stamps''' in 1987, shortly after her death, and again in 2009. The 2009 stamp was one of a series of 12 dedicated to India's "Nation Builders." 
<br>
<br>

A '''Rukmini Devi Medal for Excellence in the Arts''' has been awarded by by the Centre for Contemporary Culture, New Delhi since 2001.
<br>
<br>
[[File:Rukmini PB Award.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Padma Bhusan Award]]
Another high honor that Rukmini received was the '''Padma Bhusan Award''' in 1956 from the government of India. According to national Website, this category of awards is given  on Republic Day for exceptional and distinguished service. Nominations from state governments and other units of government are considered by an Awards Committee whose final recommendations are approved by the Home Minister, Prime Minister and President.<ref>"Padma Awards," National Portal of India, My India My Pride Web page [http://india.gov.in/myindia/myindia_frame.php?id=14], accessed March 2, 2012.</ref>
<br>
<br>
A '''Rukmini Devi Museum''' has been established at Kalakshetra to display a large number of art objects collected by Rukmini and her brother Yagneswara Shastri, and a collection bequeathed to her by Theosophist James Cousins.<ref> Rukmini Devi Museum Website  http://www.kalakshetra.net/rukminidevi_museum.html. </ref>
<br>
<br>
In 1984, the World Vegetarian Congress awarded her '''The Mankar Trophy''' to recognize her services to the cause of vegetarianism. She also received numerous awards for her animal welfare work, including '''Prani Mitra''', Friend of All Animals, from the Animal Welfare Board of India, the '''Queen Victoria Silver Medal''' from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, London, and was listed on the '''roll of honour''' by the World Federation for the Pretection of Animals, The Hague.

== Writings ==

While Rukmini Devi did not write any full-length books, she produced some excellent pamphlets and over one hundred articles that were published in Theosophical periodicals.
<br>

'''''The Teacher and the Pupil''''' was edited by the European Committee of the Besant Cultural Centre and published in Tiruvanmiyur, India. This text focuses on the need for educators to be child-like and to love their students, and on the most important aspects of education: beauty, spirituality, and love.
<br>

Theosophical Publishing in Adyar published several of Rukmini's works as pamphlets:

*'''''My Theosophy''''' presents her view of truth and the role of the emotions in conveying the essential teachings of the "Great Teachers."
*'''''The Creative Spirit''''' distinguishes between brilliance and creativity, and discusses how the ordinary person can cultivate creativity through spirituality.
*'''''Art and Education'''''.......
*'''''Dance and Music'''''.....
*'''''Yoga: Art or Science'''''......
*'''''Woman as Artist'''''...
*'''''Theosophy as Beauty''''', written with George S. Arundale and C. Jinarajadasa as Adyar Pamphlet No. 208, published in 1936. It is available online at the Canadian Theosophical Association Web page [http://www.theosophical.ca/adyar_pamphlets/AdyarPamphlet_No208.pdf].
*'''''Message of Beauty to Civilizations''''', published as No. 212 in the Adyar Pamphlets Series, undated. It is available online at the Canadian Theosophical Association Web page [http://www.theosophical.ca/adyar_pamphlets/AdyarPamphlet_No212.pdf].

== Final days ==

Beginning on December 16, 1985, the Kalakshetra School began six weeks of celebration for its Golden Jubilee. Rukmini Devi was frail, but worked indomitably so that no one knew how ill she was. Her passing came as a great shock. “Crowds had gathered with garlands and wreaths to pay their last respects. The Governor, Ministers of States and other prominent citizens of Madras all came to pay their homage for truly she was a woman whose passing the whole country mourned. As a singular mark of respect, homage was paid to her in the Tamilnadu <nowiki>[state]</nowiki> Assembly which stood in silence.” .<ref> Shakuntala Ramani, “O Shining Light,” ‘’Kalakshetra News, Golden Jubilee Year: Rukmini Devi Memorial Issue’’ (1986), 11.</ref> The Kalakshetra artists chanted bhajans and prayers continuously. 

Funeral rites were simple. A brief Christian memorial service was attended by close family and friends at Arundale House, conducted by John Clarke. In the Hindu tradition, a 10th Day ceremony was held. It included reading of excerpts from the Taittareya Upanishad and bhajans sung by Sridevi Mehta. <ref> ibid, 11.</ref>  
 

== Notes ==

<references/>

== Additional Resources ==

Crafts Council of India Website [http://www.craftscouncilofindia.org/].<br>
Indian Vegetarian Congress Website  [http://www.vegcongress.org/].<br>
Kalakshetra Website [http://www.kalakshetra.net/].<br>
Art and culture in Indian life. Kerala University Press, Trivandrum 1975.<br>
Sarada, S.: Kalakshetra-Rukmini Devi, reminiscences. Kala Mandir Trust, Madras 1985.<br>
India’s 50 Most Illustrious Women by Indra Gupta. Icon Publications, 2003. ISBN 81-88086-19-3.<br>
Selections, Some selected speeches & writings of Rukmini Devi Arundale. Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai 2003.<br>
Rukmini Devi Arundale : Birth Centenary Volume, edited by Shakuntala Ramani. Chennai, Kalakshetra Foundation, 2003.<br>
Kalakshetra Foundation (Hrsg.): Shraddanjali, brief pen portraits of a galaxy of great people who laid the foundations of Kalakshetra. Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai 2004.<br>
Photo Biography of Rukmini Devi, Sunil Kothari. Chennai, The Kalakshetra Foundation, 2004.<br>
Meduri, Avanthi (Hrsg.): Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904-1986), A Visionary Architect of Indian Culture and the Performing Arts. Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi 2005; ISBN 81-208-2740-6.<br>
Samson, Leela (2010). Rukmini Devi: A Life, Delhi: Penguin Books, India, ISBN 067008264.<br>