Mayadhar Raut | |
|---|---|
 Guru Mayadhar Raut | |
| Born | (1930-07-06)6 July 1930 |
| Died | 22 February 2025(2025-02-22) (aged 94) Delhi, India |
| Occupation(s) | Classical dancer, dance instructor |
| Years active | 1955–2025 |
| Career | |
| Current group | Jayantika |
| Dances | Odissi |
Mayadhar Raut (6 July 1930 – 22 February 2025) was an Indian classicalOdissi dancer, choreographer and Guru.[1]
Raut was born in the village Kantapenhara anAhir family inCuttack district, subsequently he received his dance training under theGuru-shishya tradition of Odissi byRukmini Devi Arundale atKalakshetra.
He was married to Mamta Khuntia, who died in 2017,[2] and they had one daughter and two sons; daughterMadhumita Raut is also a noted Odissi dancer.
Raut died inDelhi on 22 February 2025, at the age of 94.[3]
Mayadhar Raut played a major role in giving Odissi its classical 'shastra'-based status. He introduced Mudra Vinyoga in 1955. His notable compositions include ‘Pashyati Dishi Dishi’ and ‘Priya Charu Shile’, composed in 1961.[citation needed]
Mayadhar Raut was considered a master of Natyashastra and Abhinaya Darpana, and enriched theAbhinaya vocabulary of Odissi. He taught in Kala Vikas Kendra founded by Babulal Josi in Orissa, and trained dancers Surendranath Jena, Hare Krishna Behera and Ramani Ranjan Jena. Raut taught atShriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra from 1970 until 1995.[4]
As one of the founder members of Jayantika,[5] an association formed in the 1950s, Guruji Mayadhar Raut played a major role in giving Odissi its classical status. He was the first Odissi Guru to introduce MUDRA VINYOGA in the study of Odissi in 1955 and SANCHARIBHAVA in the Odissi dance items and also the first to present on stage enchanting Gitagovinda ASHTAPADIS, portraying SHRINGARA RASA. His notable compositions include ‘Pashyati Dishi Dishi’. ‘Priya Charu Shile’, composed in 1961. Earlier, only the Oriya songs or the ASHTAPADI ‘Lalit Lavanga Lata’ and ‘Dashavatar’ were taught and performed.[6]
Guru Mayadhar Raut was honoured with Padma Shri by the President of India, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Sahitya Kala Parishad Award, Utkal Pratibha Puraskar, Odissi Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Rajeev Gandhi Samman, Kavi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Award and Tagore Akademi Ratna - one-time honour of Tagore Samman as a part of the ongoing commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore by the Sangeet Natak Akademy, National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama.[7]
In 2010, his 80th birthday was marked by a five-day international festival of music and dance titled "Yaatra" in Delhi. On this occasion, a book titled,Odissi Yaatra - Journey of Guru Mayadhar Raut, written by Aadya Kaktikar and edited byMadhumita Raut, was also released.[8]
A short documentary on the life and works of Guru Mayadhar Raut is available.[9]
In August 2015, his 85th birthday was celebrated with a series of functions inDelhi and Jaipur by his disciple and daughterMadhumita Raut.[10]
Raut received the following awards:
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
