Kerala Kalamandalam Heritage
Kalamandalam, Founded in 1930 by renowned poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon and his close associate Manakkulam Mukundaraja, under the patronage of Kakkad Karanavappad.
Kerala Kalamandalam is the premiere public institution in the country for the preservation and promotion of Kerala’s traditional performing arts. Since its inception, it has been a beehive of activities attracting artists, art-scholars, historians, theatre-artists/directors, choreographers and art-lovers from all over the world.
The institution was Founded in 1930 by renowned poet PadmabhooshanVallathol Narayana Menon and his close associate Manakkulam Mukundaraja, under the patronage of Kakkad Karanavappad. At the beginning it was exclusively a training centre for Kathakali. Its first venue was Madappattil, the residence of the above patron, at Kunnamkulam near Thrissur. Shortly afterwards it moved to Srinivasam Bungalow of Mukundaraja at Ambalapuram. In 1936, Kalamandalam was relocated to its own plot and building on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha in Cheruthuruthy village of Thrissur District. The well-organized, systematic and disciplined methodology followed in training as well as performances under the tutorship of great gurus, brought world-wide fame and recognition to the institution. The name Kalamandalam came to be recognized the world over and registered on the international cultural map as a symbol of excellence. Kalamandalam is strictly a residential institution imparting training in various performance disciplines such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thullal, Kutiyattam (Male and female), Panchavadyam, Carnatic Music, Mridangam, etc. The training system essentially adheres to the ancient Gurukula Sampradaya, which is the traditional mode of education that emphasizes a deep bond between the teacher and the student. Veteran teachers, talented students and art lovers are its inestimable wealth.
In 1975, Kalamandalam started functioning as a grant-in-aid educational institution under the Societies Registration Act of 1955. In 1990, along with training in various performance disciplines formal schooling, beginning with the 8th grade was introduced.
The Beginning – Heritage, Tradition, and Legacy
Kerala Kalamandalam is the premiere public institution in the country for the preservation and promotion of Kerala’s traditional performing arts. Since its inception, it has been a beehive of activities attracting artists, art-scholars, historians, theatre-artists/directors, choreographers and art-lovers from all over the world.
The Beginning – Heritage, Tradition, and Legacy
Historical Significance: Founded by the renowned poet Padmabhoshan Vallathol Narayana Menon.
The Art that Embodies Heritage and Nurtures Society
Art is deeply intertwined with the region’s rich cultural heritage, serving as a vibrant expression of its history.
The Art that Embodies Heritage and Nurtures Society
Kerala Kalamandalam epitomizes the interconnectedness of heritage, art, and society.
Experience the Rich Cultural Heritage of Kerala
Kerala Kalamandalam is dedicated to preserving and promoting the ancient artistic heritage of Kerala.
Experience the Rich Cultural Heritage of Kerala
Join us in preserving and celebrating traditional art forms of Kerala.
Rigorous and Comprehensive Training
Expert Instruction: Students receive rigorous training from highly skilled and experienced instructors who are masters of their craft.
International Recognition and Influence
Global Reach: Kerala Kalamandalam has earned an international reputation, attracting theatre makers and scholars from around the world.
Influential Alumni and Visitors
Esteemed figures like Eugenio Barba, Jerzy Grotowski, and Peter Brook have trained here, underscoring its global influence.
Artistic Heritage
A gateway to an art training and cultural hub poised to enrich and transform our world through cultural heritage.
Guided Tour
It was in 2003 Kerala Kalamandalam launched a distinctive project famously known as ‘A Day with the Masters’ in association with Kerala Tourism. ‘A Day with the Masters’ is a pilgrimage to the most sacred temple of arts, with a unique menu of presentations that bring out the grandeur of the institution. ... Yet there had been no specific project to guide the visitors within the vast Vallathol Nagar campus of Kalamandalam and the Nila campus for decades. The guides are the project coordinator or the trained senior art‑students who receive the visitor at the entrance of the huge Kalamandalam campus at Vallathol Nagar. Then he/she can visit the Koothambalam (the traditional temple theater meant for the make‑up, costuming and performance of art forms). Inside the Koothambalam, there are granite pillars on which are carved 108 karanas/dance‑poses taken from the Natya Shastra, the 2nd‑century treatise on Indian dramaturgy. Then the visitor can explore the kalaries/classrooms—spaces where students train in percussion and vocal music, such as chenda, maddalam, edakka, mridangam, mizhavu, thimila, Kathakali, Carnatic music and more.
Show MoreThe Beginning – Heritage, Tradition, and Legacy
Kerala Kalamandalam, renowned for its meticulous training and performances, offers instruction in various classical dance and theatre forms, including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kudiyattam, Thullal, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and NangiarKoothu. Additionally, it features training in the traditional orchestra Panchavadyam and Modern Theatre. The curriculum also includes Modern Indian languages, Aesthetics, and Indian Literature, reflecting the institution’s comprehensive approach to arts education.Historical Significance: Founded by the renowned poet Padmabhoshan Vallathol Narayana Menon, Kerala Kalamandalam is dedicated to preserving and promoting the ancient artistic heritage of Kerala. During the twilight of the 19th century, Kerala’s traditional performing arts teetered on the edge of oblivion. In a historic move, Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon, a revered nationalist poet and fervent patron of the arts, embarked on a monumental endeavor: the creation of an institution dedicated to preserving Kerala’s rich artistic heritage. Thus, Kerala Kalamandalam was born. ... Historical Significance: Founded by the renowned poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, Kerala Kalamandalam is dedicated to preserving and promoting the ancient artistic heritage of Kerala. During the twilight of the 19th century...
Learn More about Heritage & Legacy
The Art that Embodies Heritage and Nurtures Society
Art is deeply intertwined with the region’s rich cultural heritage, serving as a vibrant expression of its history, traditions, and identity.Kerala boasts a rich tradition of classical art-forms. Art embodies heritage in Kerala Kalamandalam through its preservation and perpetuation of classical art forms, such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kutiyattam, and Thullal. These highly stylized performance arts, with their elaborate costumes, intricate makeup, and expressive gestures, have been preserved. Kerala Kalamandalam stands as a custodian of the artistic heritage, preserving and perpetuating classical art-forms. They serve as repositories of ancient myths, religious stories, and cultural practices, embodying the essence of the artistic heritage, encapsulating centuries-old traditions, mythologies, and rituals. Through rigorous training, research, and performance, Kalamandalam safeguards and celebrates the heritage, ensuring its transmission to future generations. Within the walls of Kerala Kalamandalam, these traditions are not merely taught but lived, breathed, and passed down through generations of dedicated artist-practitioners.
The Art that Embodies Heritage and Nurtures Society
THE ART THAT EMBODIES HERITAGE AND NURTURES SOCIETY Kerala Kalamandalam epitomizes the interconnectedness of heritage, art, and society. As a venerable institution, it embodies the cultural legacy, fosters artistic excellence, and fosters social cohesion, ensuring that Kerala’s classical arts continue to thrive as vibrant expressions of its rich cultural heritage. Art flourishes within the halls of Kerala Kalamandalam, where aspiring artist-students immerse themselves in the intricacies of classical art-forms under the guidance of master practitioners. Through disciplined practice, students hone their skills in music, dance, drama, and other artistic disciplines, breathing life into the cultural legacy. Kalamandalam serves as a crucible of artistic innovation, where tradition intersects with contemporary sensibilities, fostering creativity and experimentation while upholding the authenticity of Kerala’s classical arts. Kerala Kalamandalam plays a pivotal role in shaping the society by nurturing a community of artists, scholars, and patrons dedicated to the preservation and promotion of classical arts. Its graduates contribute to the cultural landscape as performers, teachers, researchers, and cultural ambassadors, enriching society with their artistic talents and insights. Moreover, Kalamandalam serves as a cultural hub that fosters social cohesion and pride, bringing people together to celebrate artistic heritage and collective identity. Thus, Kalamandalam serves as a cornerstone of cultural heritage, encompassing diverse forms of expression that reflect the region’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and creativity. By preserving, promoting, and celebrating the artistic heritage, Kerala Kalamandalam honors the past, enriches the present, and inspires future generations to cherish and perpetuate the legacy of their ancestors.
Experience the Rich Cultural Heritage of Kerala
Join us in preserving and celebrating the traditional art forms that have shaped Kerala's cultural identity for centuries..
