RUDRAGANIKA Explores the Untold Journey of Devadasis and Martial Arts

RUDRAGANIKA

Rudraganika explores the untold journey of the Devadasis – women once dedicated to temple service, whose lives revolved around ritual dance and divine servitude. Born into social oppression, they were bound to the gods but denied personal freedom.

The narrative follows a group of Devadasis who, while witnessing warriors practise Kalaripayattu, awaken to the strength hidden within their own bodies. Defying custom and constraint, they secretly train in this martial art, transforming their vulnerability into empowerment.

When invaders threaten their temple, these women rise as protectors, blending the grace of dance with the power of combat. They emerge as Rudraganikas – embodiments of divine rage and liberation, symbolizing the triumph of feminine strength over oppression.

Director and Writer

Born on 17th September 1975 at Berhampore, Murshidabad, Soma Giri entered the world of dance with Kathak. She later joined the renowned Dancer’s Guild, training under the mentorship of Dr. Manjusri Chaki Sirkar and Ranjabati Sirkar. Soma Giri holds a First-Class Master’s degree in Bharatanatyam from Rabindra Bharati University, studying under Guru Khagendranath Burman, and learned from Guru Ambali Praharaj.

Since 1990, she has been involved in theatre and contemporary dance. Soma has also studied the Kerala martial art form Kalaripayattu, forming an all-women Kalaripayattu dance troupe in collaboration with Guru Ajith Kumar (MMC Kalari, Kerala). Her workshops have earned appreciation from tribal dance communities in Jhargram, Ashokenagar, and Jangalmahal. In 2023, Soma Giri participated in the Bharat Rang Mahotsav with the theatre production Silence.

Director’s Note

Soma Giri states that Rudraganika is a journey into the lives of ancient Devadasis. The performance combines classical dance, martial movement, and theatrical expression to create a non-verbal narrative, emphasizing physical storytelling over dialogue.

Group

Founded in 2006 by a young ensemble led by Soma Giri and Arabinda Giri at Kolkata, Baguiati NrityaMandir is a vibrant theatre and dance collective officially registered on 24th November 2006. The group is committed to producing dance-theatre and movement-based performances rooted in Indian dance traditions and Kalaripayattu.