MAHĀGĀMI was founded in 1996 as a Gurukul-based institute to impart training in Indian traditional arts in the culturally marginalised region of Aurangabad (now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). Etymologically meaning ‘a sojourner of a supreme journey’ and ‘co-sojourner of great pilgrims’, MAHĀGĀMI evolved over the years as the horizon redefined. It became an important centre for promotion, dissemination, social awareness, research, and creative productions, in addition to its role as a Gurukul and training institute. Today, it works with a diverse range of learners – from committed shishya-s seeking to be potential performers and teachers to uninitiated new learners from both urban and rural regions. MAHĀGĀMI’s offerings include continuing traditional knowledge while dynamically engaging with technology to preserve and produce artistic and academic content on the performing arts. Under the direction of Parwati Dutta, MAHĀGĀMI trains artists and creates dance performances and productions that are presented at major festivals in India and abroad. In addition, MAHĀGĀMI develops learning content, provides creative offerings for emerging artists, hosts residencies, and drives social engagement for the cultural upliftment of society. The journey over 30 years has been enriched by the interaction and contributions of gurus, scholars, and artists spanning more than three generations, leading to a meaningful 360-degree worldview on Indian arts, reviving the embedded connections of dance and music with various disciplines, streams, and sciences.

While MAHĀGĀMI Sangeet Academy (MGM Trust) continues the traditional tripartite framework of gitam-vaadyam-nrittam (together called sangita), the wider mission of establishing dialogues with other art forms, heritage, and research is furthered through the MAHĀGĀMI Arts Research Foundation, a non-profit initiative. Additionally, MAHĀGĀMI Gurukul Centre for Performing Arts was established in 2019 under the Faculty of Performing Arts at MGM University to offer university programs in Music, Dance, Theatre, Indic Studies, and appreciation courses as per UGC guidelines. In this way, MAHĀGĀMI Ecosystem continues to sustain a larger sphere of offerings – expanding from basic introduction and community outreach to artistic excellence, academic fulfilment, and deep research – all aimed at creating a ‘Culturally Awakened Society’ and nurturing next-generation professionals. MAHĀGĀMI is known worldwide today as one of the premier Dance-Gurukuls in India that imparts training in Kathak and Odissi dance forms based on the ancient Guru-shishya tradition. The only centre of its kind in Maharashtra state, MAHAGAMI is the first ISO certified art-organization in the world and a member of the International Dance Council, UNESCO. Kathak and Odissi exponent Parwati Dutta is the Director and Guru at MAHAGAMI since 1996.