Architectural Thesis 2014 | 29 Kalakshetra Kalakshetra literally means a holy place of
FUNCTIONS:
arts
academy dedicated to the preservation of
(Kala
:
Arts,
Kshetra
:
Field
Kalakshetra
is
a
cultural
or Holy place). Deriving inspiration from this
traditional values in Indian art, especially in
noble ideal, Kalakshetra was established, in
the
the words of Rukmini Devi, "with the sole
and Gandharvaveda music.
purpose of resuscitating in modern India
Kalakshetra focuses on Bharatanatyam,
recognition of the priceless artistic traditions
carnatic vocal and instrumental music, the
of our country and of imparting to the young
visual arts, traditional crafts and textile
the true spirit of Art, devoid of vulgarity and
design, textual heritage, aesthetics, history
commercialism." The training of young and
and philosophy.
talented people by masters of art, with the
COMPONENTS:
Kalakshetra
Foundation
background of a religious spirit, has been its
comprises
Kalakshetra,
The
main aim.
Theosophical High School, The Besant
SITE AREA: 40 ha
Arundale Senior Secondary School, A Craft
LOCATION :
Tiruvanmiyur village on
outskirts of Chennai COMPLETION:
1962,
field
of
Bharatanatyam
dance
Figure 26; Kalakshetra Location
Besant
Education and Research Centre including the Weaving
Koothambalam
of
Department,
the
Kalamkari
Natural-Dye Printing & Painting unit, the
auditorium in 1985
Visual Arts Center, The Bharata Kalakshetra
VICINITY: Besant Nagar, South Chennai, the
Auditorium, the Rukmini Arangam, four
complex is only a few metres away from the
libraries, the Rukmini Devi Museum, hostels,
sea.
staff quarters and guest houses.
Theosophical Society and Besant
Theosophical High School nearby.
Figure 27: satellite view
Cultural and Performing Arts Institute, Hebbal Bangalore