Kerala Kalamandalam Admission 2025, Eligibility, Gallery, Learn More About Courses

Kerala Kalamandalam is a Deemed University for Art and Culture. It is the premiere public institution in India imparting training in and conducting performances of the classical arts of Kerala viz. Kathakali, Kutiyattam, Mohiniyaattam, Thullal and Panchavaadyam. It has been established for the preservation and promotion of Kerala’s traditional performing arts. As such training in art disciplines at Kalamandalam essentially follows the ancient Gurukula Sambradaaya or the traditional mode of education which involves a deep bond between the teacher and the student. This is also the reason why Kalamandalam is strictly a Residential Centre of Learning. The status of the Institute as a University were realised during the historic encounter between the noble laureate Rabindranatha Tagore and Vallathol at Santinikethan, Kolkotta. The latter nurtured dreams of converting Kalamandalam into a world renowned University for art and culture. Together with his close associate, Manakkulam Mukunda Raja, Vallathol made pioneering efforts for the multifaced development of Kalamandalam. Founded in 1930 by renowned poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon along the banks of the river Nila in the Cheruthuruthy village of Thrissur District, Kalamandalam is an immortal name in the cultural map of the world. Veteran teachers and talented students are its inestimable wealth.

Kalamandalam introduced High School education for its students in 1990. The new system harmonized academic-study and training in performing arts. Till then all the students who joined for regular courses were awarded Diploma and Post – Diploma.  Post graduate program in performing arts started in 2007. Initially, Kathakali, Kutiyattam and Mohiniyattam were the faculties in which post-graduate courses came in to being. In 2013, three more art disciplines viz. Kathakali Chenda, Karnatic Music and Mohiniyattam were added to the Course. Selection to M.A. Degree Course in Kathakali, Kutiyattam, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali Chenda, Karnatic Music and Mridangam is strictly based on merit. Kalamandalam offers M. Phil and Ph. D programs in various subjects. Details of the Course can be had from the office.

Kerala Kalamandalam has been functioning as a grant-in-aid institution under the Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Kerala. For special Projects, the Department of Culture, Government of India, and the Sangeet Natak Akademy, New Delhi, had been extending financial support.