Kerala Kalamandalam

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Kerala Kalamandalam
Kalamandalam


Established:	1930
Type:	Public
Vice-Chancellor:	Dr.K G Paulose
Location:	Thrissur, Kerala, India

Kerala Kalamandalam (Malayalam: കേരള കലാമണ്ഡലം) is a major centre for learning Indian Performing Arts especially those that developed in the Indian state of Kerala. It is situated in the village of Cheruthuruthy in Thrissur district near the banks of Bharathapuzha River.

It was founded in 1930 by Mahakavi Vallathol Narayana Menon and Manakkulam Mukunda Raja. The Kalamandalam imparts training in classical dance and theatre forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kudiyattam, Chakyar Koothu, Thullal, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Nangiar Koothu, and the traditional orchestra called Panchavadyam. Training is also given in various percussion instruments like Chenda, Maddalam, and Mizhavu. The Kalamandalam follows the Gurukula Sampradayam, the ancient Indian education system.

By the turn of last century, due to lack of apathy from the administration which was under various regulations of the colonial authorities ancient art forms like Koodiyattam and Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, had fallen into disrepute. Most of these traditional art forms, were dying a slow death. At this juncture, from the modest contributions of the art loving public and money collected through lotteries, Kerala Kalamandalam came into existence in November 1930, at Kunnamkulam and was later shifted to the village of Cheruthuruthy near Wadakkanchery, nestled on the banks of the Nila.

Kalamandalam was conceived in the Gurukula Sampradaya, an ancient tradition of residential schooling where students stayed with the teachers, sharing the same atmosphere and learning from them the nuances of the great arts. Eminent masters were brought to Kalamandalam. Training sessions, which started in the morning, extended till late in the night.

The changes brought by Kalamandalam in Kerala’s social and cultural ethos is indeed noteworthy.

The institution awards noted performers with awards. Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar was the first recipient of its Suvarna Mudra (gold medal) and Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar was the recipient of the first Fellowship.

The Kalamandalam has now been accorded the status of "Deemed University for Art and Culture"