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{{BLP sources|date=July 2010}}
{{Short description|Indian  dancer and choreographer (1938–2016)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2013}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name       = K. Uma Rama Rao
| name           = K. Uma Rama Rao
| image     = A portrait of Shri K.Uma Rama Rao who will be presented with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Kuchipudi Dance by the President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam in New Delhi on October 26, 2004.jpg
| image           = A portrait of Shri K.Uma Rama Rao who will be presented with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Kuchipudi Dance by the President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam in New Delhi on October 26, 2004.jpg
| caption = in 2004
| caption         = Uma Rama Rao in 2004
| image_size=
| birth_name      = Uma Maheswari
| birth_date = {{Birth date |df=yes|1938|07|04}}
| birth_date     = {{birth date|df=yes|1938|07|04}}
| birth_place = [[Visakhapatnam]], India {{flagicon|India}}
| birth_place     = [[Visakhapatnam]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], India
| death_date = {{death date and age|2016|8|27|1938|7|4}}
| death_date     = {{death date and age|df=yes|2016|08|27|1938|07|04}}
| birth_name= Uma Maheswari
| death_place    = [[Hyderabad]], [[Telangana]], India
| awards = Kala Neerajanam, Sri Kala Poorna, Pratibha Puraskar, Sangeet Natak Akadmi Award.
| occupation      = Kuchipudi dancer, choreographer, academician, research scholar, author, teacher
| known_for      = Contributions to [[Kuchipudi]] and [[Bharatanatyam]]
| awards         = [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] (2003)
Kala Neerajanam
Sri Kala Poorna
Pratibha Puraskar
}}
}}
'''K. Uma Rama Rao''' ({{lang-te|శ్రీమతి డాక్టర్ ఉమా రామా రావు}} born '''Uma Maheshwari''' on 4 July 1938 – 27 August 2016) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2016-08-28/Kuchipudi-doyenne-passes-away/250871|title = Kuchipudi doyenne passes away|date = 28 August 2016}}</ref>  was an Indian [[Kuchipudi]] dancer, [[choreographer]], research scholar, author and dance teacher.<ref>[[#Ko|Kothari, p. 11]]</ref> She was also the Founder & Director of Lasya Priya Dance Academy, established in 1985 in [[Hyderabad, India]].<ref>[http://www.narthaki.com/info/profiles/profil27.html Profile: K Uma Rama Rao] ''Narthaki'' website.</ref>
In 2003, she was awarded the [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] for proficiency in [[Kuchipudi]] by India's National Academy for Music, Dance and Drama.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sangeetnatak.org/sna/awardeeslist.htm|title=SNA: List of Akademi Awardees|publisher=[[Sangeet Natak Akademi]] Official website|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217185616/http://www.sangeetnatak.org/sna/awardeeslist.htm|archivedate=17 February 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> She is a recipient of the National Senior Fellowship bestowed by the Department of Culture, Government of India through the [[Sangeet Natak Akademi]].


==Early life and education==
'''K. Uma Rama Rao''' (born '''Uma Maheswari'''; 4 July 1938 – 27 August 2016) was an Indian [[Kuchipudi]] dancer, choreographer, academician, research scholar, author, and teacher.<ref name="AsianAge">{{cite news |title=Uma Rama Rao's demise leaves a void |url=https://www.asianage.com/dance/uma-rama-rao-s-demise-leaves-void-209 |work=[[Asian Age]] |date=13 September 2016 |access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref> She was a prominent figure in the field of Indian classical dance, known for her lifelong dedication to Kuchipudi and [[Bharatanatyam]]. She founded the Lasya Priya Dance Academy in [[Hyderabad]] in 1985, which became a significant institution for training dancers in classical dance forms.<ref name="HinduMemorable">{{cite news |title=Uma Rama Rao's memorable life |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Uma-Rama-Rao%E2%80%99s-memorable-life/article15604636.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=29 August 2016 |access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref> In 2003, she was honored with the [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] for her contributions to Kuchipudi by India's National Academy for Music, Dance and Drama.<ref name="SNA">{{cite web |title=K Uma Rama Rao |url=https://www.sangeetnatak.gov.in/public/uploads/awardees/docs/K_Uma_Rama_Rao.pdf |website=[[Sangeet Natak Akademi]] |access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref>


== Early life and education ==
[[File:Umaramarao Dancing 1.jpg|thumb|Uma Rama Rao in her early career|left]]
[[File:Umaramarao Dancing 1.jpg|thumb|Uma Rama Rao in her early career|left]]
K. Uma Rama Rao was born on 4 July 1938 in [[Visakhapatnam]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], to Dr. V. V. Krishna Rao and Sowbhagyam.<ref name="Narthaki">{{cite web |title=Profiles - K Uma Rama Rao - dancer, choreographer, research scholar, author & teacher |url=https://narthaki.com/info/profiles/profil27.html |website=Narthaki |access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref> She was raised in a conservative family that initially did not support her pursuit of dance as a career.<ref name="AsianAge"/> However, her marriage to [[K. Rama Rao]], a lawyer, provided her with the encouragement and support to follow her passion for dance. She credited him for standing by her throughout her career.<ref name="AsianAge"/>
She began her dance training at the age of five, initially learning [[Bharatanatyam]] under Guru Prahlada Sarma, and later mastering Kuchipudi under the guidance of renowned gurus like Vedantam Prahlada Sarma and C.R. Acharyulu.<ref name="HinduMemorable"/> She also pursued formal education, earning a postgraduate degree in economics from [[Osmania University]], Hyderabad.<ref name="Narthaki"/>


She was born on 4 July 1938 as "Uma Maheswari" to Dr. V. V.Krishna Rao and Sowbhagyam in a 'Vaddadi' family from [[Visakhapatnam]] in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. Encouraged by her family, that has a background of distinguished scholars with a keen interest in [[literature]], music and dance, she started training in dance from the age of 5 years from gurus like Acharya P.V. Narasimha Rao, [[Padmasri]] Dr. Nataraja Rama Krishna, Brahmasri Vedantam Lakshmi Narayana Sastri, Guru Pakkiriswami Pillai and Guru C.R .Acharya in [[Kuchipudi]], [[Bharata Natyam]] and Ritual Dance traditions. She became proficient in theoretical and practical aspects of these ancient traditional art forms.
== Career ==
In her early years, along with her sister Sumathy Kaushal, she performed on various occasions in several places under the personal guidance of her [[guru]]s. During this period 1953 and 55, she passed examinations in Classical Music and Dance, conducted by the then [[Madras]] Government. Later with the blessings of her [[guru]] mainly, Dr. Nataraja Rama Krishna. she had taken up teaching to pass on this tradition to younger generation.
K. Uma Rama Rao began her career as a performer in her early years, gaining recognition for her expressive and technically proficient performances in Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam.<ref name="HinduMentor">{{cite news |title=A performer and a mentor |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/dance/a-performer-and-a-mentor/article5478625.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=2 January 2014 |access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref> She performed extensively across India and internationally, earning acclaim for her ability to convey deep emotions through her dance.<ref name="AsianAge"/> Her performances were noted for their authenticity and adherence to the traditional aspects of Kuchipudi, while also incorporating innovative choreography.<ref name="HinduMentor"/>
 
In addition to her work as a performer, Uma Rama Rao was a dedicated educator. She served as a senior lecturer in dance at Sri Tyagaraja Government College of Music and Dance in Hyderabad from 1969 to 1988, where she taught Bharatanatyam.<ref name="Narthaki"/> She later became an associate professor at [[Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University]], Hyderabad, where she continued to impart her knowledge of classical dance.<ref name="Narthaki"/> In 1994, she earned a PhD from Telugu University, receiving a gold medal for her thesis on the '[[Yakshagana]] Prabandhas of King Shahaji II,' a Maharashtrian ruler of Thanjavur (1684–1712) who composed 20 Yakshagana dance dramas in the Telugu language.<ref name="HinduYakshagana">{{cite news |title=Yakshagana research |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/01/07/stories/2005010702490900.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050404201741/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/01/07/stories/2005010702490900.htm |archive-date=4 April 2005 |url-status=dead |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=7 January 2005 |access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref>
She was a post graduate in Economics from [[Osmania University]], [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]].
 
==Performances==
Uma choreographed a number of solo items, dance features, dance dramas and traditional [[Yakshagana]]s, based on the [[lyrics]] of great composers of yester years and contemporary writers of today, with innovative spirit, which brought her laurels. Her motto is to bring out old traditional literary gems to lime light and give them a new outlook, without deviating from the original traditional structure with their aesthetic, philosophical and spiritual values. To mention a few traditional plays Sri [[Thyagaraja]]'s Nauka Charitra, [[Prahlada]] Bhakti Vijayam,King Shahaji's Sankara and [[Vishnu]] Pallaki Seva prabandhams, [[Vighneswara]] Kalyanam, [[Narayana]] Theertha's Sadhvi [[Rukmini]], Matrubhutayya's Parijatapaharanam, Kakuturi Padmavati's [[Mandakini (actress)|Mandakini]] and [[Shiva|Siva]] [[Katyayani]] dance features like Viswadeepam,Pancha Nadeeyam, Swara raga Nartanam of [[Padma Bhushan]] Dr. C. Narayana reddy, [[Telugu people|Telugu]] Velugulu, Medha, Medha Vikas on computers, which showed her multifaceted choreographic talent and her scholarly knowledge in the subject.
 
==Teaching career==
With this background, she served Sri [[Tyagaraja]] Government college of music and Dance in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]] as a Senior Lecturer in Dance from 1969 to 1988 and trained students in certificate, Diploma and Degree courses in [[Bharata Natyam]]. Consequently, she had taken up the responsibility of heading the Department of Dance in the capacity of Associate Professor in [[Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University]], [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]].
 
To guide art students for research and other activities in the Dance field, she had submitted her thesis on '[[Yakshagana]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20050404201741/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/01/07/stories/2005010702490900.htm Yakshagana research] Hindu news</ref> Prabandhas of King [[Shahaji]]-11 ' -(a Maharashtrian who ruled [[Thanjavur]] from 1684 to 1712 A.D and composed 20 [[Yakshagana]]s -dance dramas in [[Telugu language]] )to [[Telugu University]] and obtained PhD degree along with a gold medal in 1994.
 
Some of her famous disciples are, Dr. Alekhya Punjala (HOD of Dance Department at Telugu University),<ref>[http://kuchipudinotes.wordpress.com/2010/06/30/channel-6-interviews-dr-alekhya-punjala/ Alekhya]</ref> Jyothi Lakkaraju, Madhuri Kishore, Padma Chebrolu, Pallavi Kumar, Phani Jayanthi Sen many more.<ref>[http://kuchipudi.siliconandhra.org/artist.html Few disciples of Uma Rama Rao]</ref>
 
===Lasya Priya Dance Academy===
She established ''Lasya Priya'', a dance institution in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], in 1985, which imparts training in [[Kuchipudi]] and [[Bharata Natyam]] classical dance traditions in theoretical and practical aspects and prepares them for different levels of State Government and University examinations. Lasya Priya is an affiliated study center of Indira Gandhi National Open University.<ref>[http://www.ignou.ac.in/divisions/rsd/tdd01.html IGNOU Study Centers]</ref>
 
==Awards and honours==
She received many awards and Honours in recognition of her dedication, commitment and service towards art of Dance. Worth mentioning are
 
* Kala Neerajanam from Government of [[Andhra Pradesh]].
* Best Teacher award from Government of [[Andhra Pradesh]].
* Sri Kala Poorna from [http://annamacharya.net Saint Annamacharya project of North America (SAPNA).]
* Pratibha Puraskar from [[Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University]], [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]].
* [[Sangeet Natak Academi]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20050126120107/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/11/13/stories/2004111303000300.htm Sangeet Natak Acedemy] Hindu News</ref> from the hands of Sri [[Kalam]], the President of India on 26 October 2004 at [[Vigyan Bhavan]], New Delhi
 
==Works==


[[File:Dr. Uma Rao.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Dr. Uma Rama Rao]] with Kuchupudi Dancer '''Aparna Krovvidi''' at HICC, Hyderabad on Event of Silicon Andhra 2nd International Kuchipudi Dance Convention Date: 25 December 2010.]]
=== Lasya Priya Dance Academy ===
In 1985, Uma Rama Rao established the Lasya Priya Dance Academy in Hyderabad, an institution dedicated to teaching Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam in both theory and practice.<ref name="HinduMemorable"/> The academy became a significant center for classical dance training, affiliated with the [[Indira Gandhi National Open University]] (IGNOU) as a study center.<ref name="IGNOU">{{cite web |title=IGNOU Study Centers |url=http://www.ignou.ac.in/divisions/rsd/tdd01.html |website=Indira Gandhi National Open University |access-date=8 April 2025 |archive-date=8 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808011509/http://www.ignou.ac.in/divisions/rsd/tdd01.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Through Lasya Priya, she trained numerous students, many of whom went on to become accomplished dancers, preserving the traditional essence of Kuchipudi while adapting it for contemporary audiences.<ref name="HinduMentor"/>
== Awards and recognition ==
K. Uma Rama Rao received several prestigious awards for her contributions to Indian classical dance. In 2003, she was honored with the [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] for her excellence in Kuchipudi, recognizing her as a leading exponent of the dance form.<ref name="SNA"/> She also received the National Senior Fellowship from the Department of Culture, [[Government of India]], through the Sangeet Natak Akademi, to support her research in dance.<ref name="SNA"/> Other notable honors include the Kala Neerajanam, Sri Kala Poorna, and Pratibha Puraskar awards, which acknowledged her contributions as a performer, teacher, and scholar.<ref name="Narthaki"/>
== Works ==
[[File:Dr. Uma Rao.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Uma Rama Rao in 2010]]
Uma Rama Rao authored a significant book on Kuchipudi, documenting its history and techniques. Her work has been a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners of Indian classical dance.
*{{Cite book |last=Rao |first=K. Uma Rama |title=Kuchipudi Bharatam Or Kuchipudi Dance: South Indian Classical Dance Tradition |year=1992 |publisher=Sri Satguru Publications |location=Delhi |isbn=81-7030-291-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yWvmAAAAMAAJ |access-date=8 April 2025}}


* ''Kuchipudi Bharatam of Kuchipudi Dance: South Indian Classical Dance Tradition''. Sri Satguru Publications, 1992. {{ISBN|81-7030-291-9}}.
== Personal life ==
 
Uma Rama Rao was married to K. Rama Rao, a lawyer who supported her career in dance despite initial resistance from her family.<ref name="AsianAge"/> She died on 27 August 2016 in Hyderabad, leaving behind a legacy in the world of Indian classical dance.<ref name="AsianAge"/> Her death was widely mourned, with many noting the void left by her departure in the dance community.<ref name="AsianAge"/>
Lately [[Dr. Uma Rama Rao]] attended the Historic 2nd International Kuchipudi Dance Convention on 24, 25, 26 December 2010 at HICC and [[G. M. C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium]] [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]], where around 2,800 [[Kuchipudi]] Dancers, including 200+ Natya Gurus made [[Guinness Book of World Records]]. Her presence made a blessing event, she directly inspired, encouraged and blessed many students to let long live the cultural dance [[Kuchipudi]].
== Legacy ==
K. Uma Rama Rao’s contributions to Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam have had a lasting impact on Indian classical dance. Through her performances, teaching, and research, she played a key role in preserving and promoting these traditional art forms.<ref name="HinduMentor"/> Her establishment of the Lasya Priya Dance Academy ensured that future generations of dancers could learn and appreciate Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam.<ref name="HinduMemorable"/> Her scholarly work, including her book on Kuchipudi and her research on Yakshagana, remains a valuable resource for those studying Indian dance traditions.<ref name="HinduYakshagana"/>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
* {{cite book|last=Kothari|first=Sunil |authorlink=Sunil Kothari|author2=Avinash Pasricha  |title=Kuchipudi|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ibPELNiEhKwC&q=Uma+Rama+Rao&pg=PA225|year=2001|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=81-7017-359-0|ref=Ko}}
* {{cite book|last=Charsley|first=S. R. |author2=Laxmi Narayan Kadekar  |title=Performers and their arts: folk, popular and classical genres in a changing India|year=2007|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-415-40113-5|ref=Ca}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Uma Rama Rao}}
{{commons category|Uma Rama Rao}}
* [http://www.lasyapriyadanceacademy.org/home.html Lasya Priya Dance Academy, website]
*[http://www.lasyapriyadanceacademy.org/home.html Lasya Priya Dance Academy, website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018065344/http://www.lasyapriyadanceacademy.org/home.html |date=18 October 2009 }}
* [http://www.fullhyderabad.com/profile/locations/506/dance-schools-in-hyderabad-india/banjara-hills/lasya-priya-dance-academy-uma-rama-rao Ishana Samhita]
 
* [http://annamacharya.net/events09.html SAPNA]
*[http://www.fullhyderabad.com/profile/locations/506/dance-schools-in-hyderabad-india/banjara-hills/lasya-priya-dance-academy-uma-rama-rao Ishana Samhita]
* [http://siliconandhra.org SiliconAndhra]
 
 


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Latest revision as of 19:25, 12 January 2026


K. Uma Rama Rao
Uma Rama Rao in 2004
Born
Uma Maheswari

(1938-07-04)4 July 1938
Died27 August 2016(2016-08-27) (aged 78)
OccupationKuchipudi dancer, choreographer, academician, research scholar, author, teacher
Known forContributions to Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam
AwardsSangeet Natak Akademi Award (2003)

Kala Neerajanam Sri Kala Poorna

Pratibha Puraskar

K. Uma Rama Rao (born Uma Maheswari; 4 July 1938 – 27 August 2016) was an Indian Kuchipudi dancer, choreographer, academician, research scholar, author, and teacher.[1] She was a prominent figure in the field of Indian classical dance, known for her lifelong dedication to Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam. She founded the Lasya Priya Dance Academy in Hyderabad in 1985, which became a significant institution for training dancers in classical dance forms.[2] In 2003, she was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contributions to Kuchipudi by India's National Academy for Music, Dance and Drama.[3]

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Uma Rama Rao in her early career

K. Uma Rama Rao was born on 4 July 1938 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, to Dr. V. V. Krishna Rao and Sowbhagyam.[4] She was raised in a conservative family that initially did not support her pursuit of dance as a career.[1] However, her marriage to K. Rama Rao, a lawyer, provided her with the encouragement and support to follow her passion for dance. She credited him for standing by her throughout her career.[1] She began her dance training at the age of five, initially learning Bharatanatyam under Guru Prahlada Sarma, and later mastering Kuchipudi under the guidance of renowned gurus like Vedantam Prahlada Sarma and C.R. Acharyulu.[2] She also pursued formal education, earning a postgraduate degree in economics from Osmania University, Hyderabad.[4]

Career[edit | edit source]

K. Uma Rama Rao began her career as a performer in her early years, gaining recognition for her expressive and technically proficient performances in Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam.[5] She performed extensively across India and internationally, earning acclaim for her ability to convey deep emotions through her dance.[1] Her performances were noted for their authenticity and adherence to the traditional aspects of Kuchipudi, while also incorporating innovative choreography.[5] In addition to her work as a performer, Uma Rama Rao was a dedicated educator. She served as a senior lecturer in dance at Sri Tyagaraja Government College of Music and Dance in Hyderabad from 1969 to 1988, where she taught Bharatanatyam.[4] She later became an associate professor at Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad, where she continued to impart her knowledge of classical dance.[4] In 1994, she earned a PhD from Telugu University, receiving a gold medal for her thesis on the 'Yakshagana Prabandhas of King Shahaji II,' a Maharashtrian ruler of Thanjavur (1684–1712) who composed 20 Yakshagana dance dramas in the Telugu language.[6]

Lasya Priya Dance Academy[edit | edit source]

In 1985, Uma Rama Rao established the Lasya Priya Dance Academy in Hyderabad, an institution dedicated to teaching Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam in both theory and practice.[2] The academy became a significant center for classical dance training, affiliated with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) as a study center.[7] Through Lasya Priya, she trained numerous students, many of whom went on to become accomplished dancers, preserving the traditional essence of Kuchipudi while adapting it for contemporary audiences.[5]

Awards and recognition[edit | edit source]

K. Uma Rama Rao received several prestigious awards for her contributions to Indian classical dance. In 2003, she was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her excellence in Kuchipudi, recognizing her as a leading exponent of the dance form.[3] She also received the National Senior Fellowship from the Department of Culture, Government of India, through the Sangeet Natak Akademi, to support her research in dance.[3] Other notable honors include the Kala Neerajanam, Sri Kala Poorna, and Pratibha Puraskar awards, which acknowledged her contributions as a performer, teacher, and scholar.[4]

Works[edit | edit source]

Uma Rama Rao in 2010

Uma Rama Rao authored a significant book on Kuchipudi, documenting its history and techniques. Her work has been a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners of Indian classical dance.

  • Rao, K. Uma Rama (1992). Kuchipudi Bharatam Or Kuchipudi Dance: South Indian Classical Dance Tradition. Delhi: Sri Satguru Publications. ISBN 81-7030-291-9. Retrieved 8 April 2025.

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Uma Rama Rao was married to K. Rama Rao, a lawyer who supported her career in dance despite initial resistance from her family.[1] She died on 27 August 2016 in Hyderabad, leaving behind a legacy in the world of Indian classical dance.[1] Her death was widely mourned, with many noting the void left by her departure in the dance community.[1]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

K. Uma Rama Rao’s contributions to Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam have had a lasting impact on Indian classical dance. Through her performances, teaching, and research, she played a key role in preserving and promoting these traditional art forms.[5] Her establishment of the Lasya Priya Dance Academy ensured that future generations of dancers could learn and appreciate Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam.[2] Her scholarly work, including her book on Kuchipudi and her research on Yakshagana, remains a valuable resource for those studying Indian dance traditions.[6]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Uma Rama Rao's demise leaves a void". Asian Age. 13 September 2016. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Uma Rama Rao's memorable life". The Hindu. 29 August 2016. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 "K Uma Rama Rao" (PDF). Sangeet Natak Akademi. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Profiles - K Uma Rama Rao - dancer, choreographer, research scholar, author & teacher". Narthaki. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "A performer and a mentor". The Hindu. 2 January 2014. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  6. 6.0 6.1 "Yakshagana research". The Hindu. 7 January 2005. Archived from the original on 4 April 2005. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  7. "IGNOU Study Centers". Indira Gandhi National Open University. Archived from the original on 8 August 2010. Retrieved 8 April 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]