E. Krishna Iyer (1897–1968) was a distinguished lawyer, freedom fighter, cultural activist, and one of the foremost figures responsible for the revival of Bharatanatyam in the twentieth century. He combined his commitment to India’s freedom struggle with his efforts to preserve and promote South India’s classical arts.
Early Life and Education
E. Krishna Iyer was born on 9 August 1897 in Kallidaikurichi, in the Tirunelveli region of the Madras Presidency (present-day Tamil Nadu). He was born into a Tamil Brahmin family and received his early education at Ambasamudram High School. He later graduated from Madras Christian College and pursued legal studies at Madras Law College. After completing his education, he began practicing as a lawyer at the Madras High Court.
Education & Skills
Krishna Iyer possessed a rare combination of legal expertise, artistic talent, and political leadership. His major skills included:
- Legal practice and advocacy.
- Public speaking and political organization.
- Knowledge of Carnatic music and classical dance.
- Journalism and cultural criticism.
- Leadership in social and cultural reform movements.
He also performed in theatre productions and developed a deep appreciation for Indian classical arts, particularly Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music.
Contribution to Tamil Literature
Although E. Krishna Iyer was not primarily a literary author, he made important contributions to Tamil cultural literature through:
- Writing articles and reviews on music, dance, and culture.
- Promoting the works and patriotic songs of Subramania Bharati.
- Serving as a cultural critic for newspapers such as Indian Express, Dinamani, and Kalki.
- Encouraging public appreciation of Tamil artistic traditions through essays and lectures.
His writings helped preserve Tamil cultural heritage and created greater awareness of classical performing arts.
Role in India’s Freedom Movement
E. Krishna Iyer actively participated in the Indian freedom struggle and was associated with the Indian National Congress during the 1930s.
His contributions included:
- Participation in nationalist activities and Congress campaigns.
- Promotion of patriotic songs composed by Subramania Bharati to inspire public support for independence.
- Organizing political meetings and public awareness campaigns.
- Enduring imprisonment on multiple occasions for his nationalist activities.
- Serving as a member of the Congress Committee and later as a Member of the Legislative Council from Mylapore in 1938.
His work helped spread nationalist ideas throughout Tamil Nadu while linking cultural revival with political freedom.
Personal Life
Beyond politics, Krishna Iyer devoted much of his life to the preservation of Indian classical arts. He played a crucial role in rescuing the dance form then known as Sadir from social stigma and helped popularize it under the name Bharatanatyam.
Working alongside Rukmini Devi Arundale and other cultural leaders, he encouraged women from various communities to learn and practice the art form. His efforts were instrumental in transforming Bharatanatyam into one of India’s most respected classical dances.
Death
E. Krishna Iyer passed away on 3 January 1968 in Madras (now Chennai) at the age of 70. His contributions to India’s freedom movement, cultural preservation, and the revival of Bharatanatyam earned him lasting recognition. He was honored with the Padma Shri for his services to Indian arts and culture.
Legacy
E. Krishna Iyer is remembered as:
- A dedicated freedom fighter.
- A respected lawyer and public figure.
- A champion of Bharatanatyam revival.
- A promoter of Bharati’s patriotic songs.
- A guardian of Tamil cultural heritage.
His efforts ensured that Bharatanatyam survived and flourished, while his role in the independence movement secured him a place among Tamil Nadu’s notable nationalist leaders.
About the Author
