Art In Motion

The Entrance to the iconic Kala Dalan is an ornate 19th century Maratha Royal Architecture with a wooden gate standing beneath the traditional arch which is topped by a balcony.

The silent sentinel of the bygone era of Maratha Empire, the entrance serves as grand welcome to the Shri Ram Temple, whose courtyard serves as an open auditorium, for the classes of Kala Dalan institute.

Befitting the age old artforms that are taught at the institute, the entrance serves an assurance of Indian Guru-Shishya (Master-Student) tradition and takes the visitors back in time.

The Kala Dalan institute is housed in the Shri Ram Temple, which itself resides in the 19th century Shende Wada - the palace of the Shende family.

Shri GangadharRao Shende was the family priest of the Shinde (Scindia) Royals of Gwalior. Pleased with his services,the royal family awarded him the Rahimatpur village,

Since then, Shende clan has made Rahimatpur their home.

BharatNatyam Visharad Ms Aarti Jamadar conducting the BharatNatyam classes in the courtyard of Shri Ram Temple

Tabla Master Shri Shivaji Jawale conducting the Tabla classes in the courtyard of Shri Ram Temple on Shri Ram Navami day.

Also, seated on the occasion of the festival is Dr Rajendra Shende, the trustee of Lt Shri Madhavrao Shende Trust with his staff and villagers assembled on the occasion.

Students of Kala Dalan play devotional songs - Bhajans along with villagers of Rahimatpur at Shri Ram Temple, on the occasion of Shri Ram Navami.

Kala Dalan also serves as a hub of cultural activities for the village of Rahimatpur.