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About
Kattumannarkoil Muthukumaran Pillai, revered as a stalwart and saint of Bharatanatyam, was a pivotal figure in the revival and global recognition of this Indian classical dance form. Born in 1874 on the 13th day of the Tamil month of Aipasi in Kattumannar Koil, near Chidambaram, he inherited his artistic lineage from his mother, Yogam Ammal, a dancer and…
Journey Timeline
1874
Born — Born on the 13th day of the Tamil month of Aipasi in Kattumannar Koil.
1883
Began professional dance performances — Started performing professionally at the age of 9.
1895
Pioneering photography — Took photos of devadasis with a pinhole camera.
1901
Concluded professional dance performances — Stopped performing professionally at the age of 27.
1921
Authored "Sangeetha Swaraganana Bodhini" — Wrote a book detailing characteristics of ragas.
1936
Taught at Summer School of Indian Music — Taught Bharatanatyam and Kummi Kolattam in Madras.
1936
Appointed first Bharatanatyam teacher at Kalakshetra — Joined Kalakshetra upon its founding by Rukmini Devi Arundale.
1960
Passed away — Died at the age of 86.
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
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Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
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