Mahagami gurukul revitalizes arts scene in Aurangabad
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In 1996, Kathak and Odissi dancer Parwati Dutta founded Mahagami Gurukul in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India, to cultivate classical arts in a city not known as a cultural hub.
Dutta began with a barren plot of land provided by the Mahatma Gandhi Mission (MGM) and transformed it into a school for dance, music, theatre, and the performing arts. She initially taught a small group of children, then expanded programming through demonstrations and workshops to introduce more people to classical traditions.
Dutta also addressed practical challenges by training students in technical skills like lighting and costume-making, making the institution self-sufficient. She created programs like “Sahridaya,” intimate concerts pairing students with established artists, and “Sadhana,” a residential program integrating dance with other disciplines like yoga and Sanskrit. Inspired by the ancient Ajanta and Ellora caves, Dutta persevered through early struggles, recognizing the long-term dedication required to build a lasting institution.
Mahagami recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with a festival called ‘Satata Trimsat’ featuring performances, live art, and a book documenting the school’s history, and now attracts students and audiences internationally.
