Dr. Rani Machaiah

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Traditional Art: Ummattat and other Kodava folk arts. Kodagu, where unparalleled patriots and warriors were born, has no shortage of cultural patrons. Dr. Rani Machaiah was among the first to effectively introduce this culture to the outside world and is credited with popularizing the women’s dance form “Ummattat” throughout the country.

Birth, Childhood Education and Marriage

Dr. Rani Machaiah was born on 04 April 1943 in Siddapura, Virajpet Taluk. Her father was Meddappa and her mother was Tayamma. Her father was a businessman in Siddapura and her mother was a teacher. When Rani was young, her father bought a plantation in Kakotu Parambu near Virajpet, and the family shifted there. She completed her primary education in Kakotu Parambu and her high school and college education in Madikeri Government College. After graduation, she married Aimudiyanda Machaiah, a lawyer from Madikeri.

Cultural Activities

Dr. Rani Machaiah was good at studies during her school and college days and was also very interested in extracurricular activities. She participated in cultural programs at school and college and received encouragement from her teachers and fellow students. She developed a particular interest in Ummattat, Kolata and other traditional dances.

Ummattat Dance: Initiation and Training

Dr. Rani Machaiah’s artistic talent received constant encouragement. Her husband, Aimudiyanda Machaiah, supported her interest in art and culture. She later formed a group of young women and trained them in Ummattat dance. She worked to give the traditional dance a lively presentation while preserving its cultural significance.

A Step Taken in the Folk World of Kodagu

About four and a half decades ago, there was a time in Kodagu when parents were hesitant to let their daughters perform in public and on stages. At such a time, Dr. Rani Machaiah played an important role in popularizing Ummattat dance. The dance form subsequently gained recognition beyond Kodagu and reached audiences across different parts of India.

Kaveri Kala Vrinda:
Dr. Rani Machaiah founded her organization, “Kaveri Kala Vrinda”, in 1997. Through this organization, she trained and developed cultural troupes and earned recognition by presenting traditional dances in Kannada and the Kodava language.

Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy President

Considering Dr. Rani Machaiah’s several decades of artistic service, the Government appointed her as President of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy for a three-year term in 2010. During her tenure, she emphasized the preservation and development of folk art and support for folk artists in Kodagu.

Kodagu’s Female Cultural Ambassador

Dr. Rani Machaiah has been involved in cultural, social and educational activities in Kodagu for several decades. During her cultural career, she has participated in numerous state, national and international cultural festivals with her Ummattat troupe. Her performances have helped showcase the rich cultural traditions of Kodagu to audiences across India.

Awards

Dr. Rani Machaiah’s long-standing artistic and social service has been recognized by several organizations and institutions. The Government of Karnataka honoured her with the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2005. Her Ummattat troupe has also received recognition at state and national levels.

Assistance for Girl Child Education

Her involvement in supporting the education of girls from economically disadvantaged families reflects her commitment to social development. She has helped and encouraged young women in their education and future pursuits.

Her cultural troupe has participated in several important cultural events and festivals across India, including Republic Day celebrations, Hampi Festival, Kadamba Festival, Badami Festival, Mysore Dasara, Janapada festivals and cultural exchange programmes in various states.

Awards & Honors

• Kannada Rajyotsava Award from the Government of Karnataka in 2005.
• Padma Shri Award in 2023.
• Doctorate from Mahatma Jyothi Rao Phule University, Jaipur, Rajasthan in 2023.
• Souvenir of the Karnataka Amrutha Mahotsava in 2023.
• Chaitanya Sri Award in 2024.
• Padma Mahan Award from Global Pride Foundation in 2025.
• Belgaum Folklore Award.