E. Krishna Iyer

🪔 About

E. Krishna Iyer (August 9, 1897 – January 3, 1968) was an Indian lawyer, freedom fighter, classical artist, and cultural activist, widely recognized as a pivotal figure in the revival and popularization of Bharatanatyam. Born in Brahmadesam, Tirunelveli district, Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu), he completed his B.A. from Madras Christian College in 1918 and his law degree in Trivandrum and Madras, becoming a barrister in 1922. He practiced law in Madras and was actively involved in the Indian independence movement, participating in protests and advocating for national freedom. Iyer's profound contribution lies in his tireless efforts to rescue and elevate Sadir, the traditional dance form practiced by devadasis, which was facing social stigma and legislative threats from the anti-nautch movement. He passionately argued for the art form's inherent spiritual and cultural value, distinguishing it from the devadasi system. To counter the prevailing prejudice, he famously donned female attire and performed Sadir himself, demonstrating its artistic merit and proving it was not confined to women of ill-repute. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Madras Music Academy (Tamil Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram) in 1928, serving as its Founder Secretary for a decade. At a 1932 meeting of the Music Academy, he proposed the resolution to rename Sadir as "Bharatanatyam," a term that gained widespread acceptance and helped rebrand the dance. Iyer actively promoted numerous Bharatanatyam artists, including Varalakshmi-Bhanumati, Mylapore Gowri Ammal, Balasaraswati, M.K. Saroja, Kamala, Kausalya, and Padmini, providing them platforms and advocating for their talent. Beyond Bharatanatyam, he also worked for the revival of folk arts like Kavadi, Karagam, Bommalattam, Poikkal Kudhirai Attam, and the dance-drama form of Bhagavata Mela Natakam. A prolific writer and art critic, he contributed extensively to publications such as the Indian Express, Dinamani, Kalki, New Age, and Free Press, shaping public discourse on arts and culture. E. Krishna Iyer passed away in Madras in 1968, leaving behind a legacy as a "saviour and servitor" of Indian classical dance. Awards & Honours: Sangeetha Kalasikhamani (1957), Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1966), Padma Shri (1966).