Her father was an engineer with the Public Works Department. It was a transferable job and the family moved frequently. In 1906, her father was introduced to the Theosophical Society. Though Rukmini Devi's sisters were married even before they entered their teens, he and a group of his friends took an oath under Dr Annie Besant (who headed the Society) that they would not allow child marriage in their families.

Dr Besant helped Rukmini Devi's elder sister Sivakamu, who was married at the tender age of 12, complete her studies at Banares. Later, Sivakamu went to London where she earned her medical degree.

Rukmini Devi's father became a firm believer in Dr Besant's movement. The whole family moved from Chengalpet to Chennai (then known as Madras), bought a piece of land next to the Theosophical Society in Adyar, built a house and named it Buddha Vilas.

It was only after shifting to Madras that Rukmini Devi began attending regular school. She spent most of her free time on the grounds of the Theosophical Society. Slowly, Rukmini was drawn to art, nature and animals.

Also see: 'Rukmini Devi was a banyan tree under whom everyone flourished'

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