85+
Years of Experience
2+
Students Taught
1
Followers
About
U.K. Chandrabhaga Devi was a pioneering Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and institution-builder, widely recognized as the earliest woman proponent of the art form in Karnataka. Born on August 11, 1921, her bold entry into the dance world in the early 1940s was foundational in making classical dance a respectable pursuit for young girls from esteemed…
Journey Timeline
1921
Birth — Born on August 11 (birth centenary in 2021)
1941
Marriage to U.S. Krishna Rao — Married on February 19, 1941, becoming the first dance couple in Karnataka.
1942
Co-founded Maha Maya — Established the dance institution Maha Maya in Bengaluru with U.S. Krishna Rao.
1943
Training under Pandanallur Meenakshisundaram Pillai — Underwent extensive training with her husband in Thanjavur.
1965-1967
Taught and performed in London — Under the banner of the Asian Music Circle.
1980
Co-authored "Nritya Kale" — Published in Kannada with U.S. Krishna Rao.
1988
Received Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Awarded in the Gurus' (teachers') category with U.S. Krishna Rao.
1993
Co-authored "A Panorama of Indian Dances" — Published with U.S. Krishna Rao.
1997
Demise
Photo Gallery
Photos will appear here.
Video Library
Performance videos will appear here.
Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
A world map of performances will appear here as tours are recorded.
Awards & Honors
- 1988 · Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- Karnataka Sangeet Nritya Academy Award
- Nritya Kala Siromani
- Rajyotsava Award
- Shantala Award
- 2002 · E. Krishna Iyer Medal — The Sruti Foundation
Media Coverage
- Made for the Master
The Hindu
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