---
title: "Rukmini Devi Arundale: Dancer & Reformer | Model Diplomat"
description: "Rukmini Devi Arundale revived Bharatanatyam and founded Kalakshetra in 1936; a Rajya Sabha member who declined the presidency in 1977. Key UPSC GS1 figure."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/rukmini-devi-arundale"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Rukmini Devi Arundale was an Indian dancer, theosophist, and parliamentarian who revived Bharatanatyam and founded the Kalakshetra arts institution in 1936.
- Why is Rukmini Devi Arundale credited with reviving Bharatanatyam?
- What is the controversy surrounding her 'revival' of Bharatanatyam?
- What was Rukmini Devi Arundale's role in Indian public life beyond dance?
- What is the current legal status of Kalakshetra?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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## Timeline

1. 29 February 1904

   Rukmini Devi Arundale ( – 24 February 1986) occupies a singular place in the cultural history of modern India as the figure who relocated the classical dance…

2. 24 February 1986

   Rukmini Devi Arundale (29 February 1904 – ) occupies a singular place in the cultural history of modern India as the figure who relocated the classical dance…

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Example

In 1977 Prime Minister Morarji Desai offered to nominate Rukmini Devi Arundale as a consensus candidate for the Presidency of India, an offer she declined to continue her work at Kalakshetra.

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