e-ISSN: 2637-0875 Journal of Language and Communication, 11(2), 133-144 (2024) ©Universiti Putra Malaysia Press © Penerbit Universiti Putra Malaysia THE DANCE OF JUSTICE: A RAWLSIAN PERSPECTIVE IN SRIVIDYA NATARAJAN’S THE UNDOING DANCE Yusintha Othaya Kumar* and Manimangai Mani Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. E-mail: yusintha.kumar@gmail.com; manimangai@upm.edu.my *Corresponding author ABSTRACT This article delves into the role of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance, as a transformative force for Kalyani, the protagonist in the novel The Undoing Dance (2018). It investigates how Bharatanatyam serves not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a means of transcending caste boundaries and societal expectations. By applying the concept of the difference principle, a framework within socio-political theory, the study examines how caste- based discrimination is confronted and reimagined through the medium of dance. Natarajan's narrative, which alternates between past and present, underscores the significance of Bharatanatyam in conveying Kalyani’s inner turmoil, struggles, and ultimate empowerment. Kalyani’s journey is marked by her revaluation of her Devadasi roots—a lineage steeped in both cultural richness and societal stigmatisation. As she reconnects with her heritage, she gains a deeper understanding of the matriarchal traditions within her community and begins to reinterpret them through her dance. This exploration leads to a redefined sense of identity and womanhood, where Bharatanatyam becomes a vessel for Kalyani’s self-expression and liberation. This study argues that classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam, provides a unique lens through which the complexities of the Indian caste system can be viewed, offering Devadasi women in South India a powerful tool for reclaiming their narratives and challenging the entrenched social hierarchies. Through dance, Kalyani not only reclaims her heritage but also transforms her pain and suffering into a powerful statement of resilience and identity. Keywords: Difference Principle; Devadasi; Champa Bilwakesh; Srividya Natarajan; Indian Literature ARTICLE INFO Article history: Received: September 20, 2023 Accepted: September 18, 2024 Published: September 30, 2024 Volume 11, Issue 2, September 2024