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Rukmani Devi Arundale: Google doodles on renowned Bharatnatyam dancer's 112th birthday

Commemorating the 112th birth anniversary of renowned Bharatnatyam dancer Rukmani Devi Arundale, search giant Google has posted a doodle on its India homepage.

Rukmani Devi Arundale was not only a Bharatnatyam dancer and choreographer but also worked as an activist for animal rights and welfare.

What was considered as a low and vulgar art in the early 1920s, it was Rukmani Devi who is attributed for reviving the classical dance form from its original 'sadhir' style and presenting it on stage despite strong public protests.

She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956 and the 'Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship' in 1967.

It is also believed that she had declined the chair of the President of India in 1977, once offered by Morarji Desai, the then Prime Minister of India.

Today's doodle, dedicated to Rukmani Devi illustrates the popular dancer holding one of the Bharatnatyam mudras. The doodle is visible only on India homepage.

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