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oai:keep.lib.asu.edu:node-2005792025-04-18T22:53:05Zoai_pmh:alloai_pmh:repo_items

200579 https://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.2.N.200579 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0 2025-05 17 pages Sundaram, Sahana Olarte, David Das, Rinku Barrett, The Honors College Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest forms of Indian classical dance, is a powerful medium for storytelling and revitalizing Hindu culture. By using various hand gestures and expressions, this honors thesis explores how this art form can empower women by analyzing influential historical figures such as Jhansi ki Rani, a fearless queen who acted as the regent of the Indian Mutiny against the rule of the British East India Company. This thesis will be presented through a narrative performance, where I embody my personal growth, overcoming my timidity by expressing how learning from the past strengthens women in the present. The premise of the defense will be a protest occurring on campus and how I encourage my friends to join me in voicing their opinions. The methodology involved researching Jhansi ki Rani’s history, writing a script to describe these learnings by comparing past and present, and creating a soundtrack by carefully selecting music and choreography that conveys an accurate message. Ultimately, by empowering my friends, I demonstrate how Bharatanatyam can bring awareness to societal issues and stimulate the uplifting of women and other minorities. I also discuss the technical skills I have learned, my personal growth, and how this experience has educated me more about my culture. Lastly, future work is discussed, and acknowledgments are given to Professor David Olarte and Miss Rinku Das, who have guided me through this process. Bharatanatyam Jhansi ki Rani Women Empowerment Cultural Awareness The Legacy of Powerful Women in Indian History: Evolving as an Artist Through Bharatanatyam