Kala Devi

Kalavati Devi is a distinguished personality in the field of Manipuri dance, a rare combination of dancer, singer, Mridanga player, teacher and choreographer.

She received her initial training under the renowned Gurus Khetritombi Devi, Aiga Kumari and Gambhini Devi. In 1955, Kalavati Devi began her formal training under Guru bipin Singh. She learnt Mridanga playing from Guru Ibungomacha Sharma and Meitei Tomba Singh; from the latter she learnt the various styles and techniques of Natapala, Dhumel and complex tala patterns. In 1972 she established the Calcutta branch of Manipuri Nartanayala, founded in Mumbai and Imphal, in collaboration with Guru Bipin Singh and the Jhaveri sisters. At present she is also the head of the Manipuri Dance department at Rabindra Bharati university, Clacutta. A regular artist on national dance circuits, she now assists her husband and teacher Guru bipin Singh in his work.

Kalavati Devi is a recipient of a fellowship from the Department of culture, government of India. She is the co-author, with Darshana jhaveri, of various publications including Manipuri Nartan and Shastriya Manipuri Nartan. Since 1961, she has visited several countries performing and conducting workshops.