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 Greatest dancers of our times - Vazhuvoor Saravanan e-mail: vazhuvoorsaravanan@gmail.com December 14, 2024 In the entire history of classical dance 'Sadir' later rechristened as 'Bharatanatyam', Maduranthakam Jagadambal Ammal (1873 - 1943), Thiruvazhaputhur Kalyani Ammal (1873 - 1938) and Thanjavur Veenabashini Ammal (1877 - 1962) were revered as the greatest and most accomplished classical dancers on record. All three were born in the late 19th century in Tamilnadu. Maduranthakam Jagadambal Ammal learnt this divine art from Vazhuvoor Samu Nattuvanar (Grandfather of Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai), Thiruvazhaputhur Kalyani Ammal from Pandanallur Meenakshisundaram Pillai and Thanjavur Veenabashini Ammal from Thanjavur Kannuswamy Nattuvanar. They enthralled the audience with their scintillating performances and showcased the glory of ancient Vazhuvoor, Pandanallur and Thanjavur baani of classical dance respectively. They were recognized for executing the nritta, nritya and abhinaya with utmost precision and received overwhelming appreciations in Mysore, Thanjavur, Ramanathapuram and other royal courts in south India.  Maduranthakam Jagadambal Ammal The dark complexioned Maduranthakam Jagadambal Ammal had the patience and vigor to overcome all the insults and disrespects initially owing to her appearance and finally created history. Once, when many dancers were present in his court, Raja Pandidurai Thevar, the then Zamindar of Palavanatham, enquired whether any one of them could dance to his 'Chakravakam Jathiswaram'. Everyone except Kalyani Ammal expressed their inability since it would take at least a month's practice to perform this item. Kalyani Ammal, however, learnt it on the same day and performed it before the Raja on the next day. The legendary Natyacharya Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai felt that it was Maduranthakam Jagadambal Ammal who reincarnated later as his star disciple Kamala Lakshman. Veenabashini Ammal was well versed in Telugu and entrancingly performed Kshetrayya's padas to the delight of the audience. She received overwhelming appreciation in all the samasthanams wherever she performed and received many royal gifts in recognition of her talents. 'Kanakabishegam' was performed on Veenabashini Ammal in the royal court of Raja of Mysore.  Kalyani daughters The first ever dance recital to be arranged by the Music Academy or any other institution of prestige in Madras was given by Rajalakshmi and Jeevarathnam, the daughters of Thiruvazhaputhur Kalyani Ammal on 15th March 1931.  Vazhuvoor Guru Saravanan is the grandson of Guru Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai and a Facility Administrator in IT corporate by profession. He is also a freelance writer on Arts, Tradition and Spirituality. His articles have been featured both in Tamil and English press media including Times of India, Daily Thanthi, Kumudam Bhakthi etc. Post your comments Please provide your name and email id along with your comment. All appropriate comments posted with name and email id in the blog will also be featured in the site. |
