Kerala Kalamandalam

Kerala Kalamandalam, considered by the Government of India to be a University of Art and Culture, is a major center for the learning of Indian performing arts, especially those established in the Southern States of India, with a specific focus on Kerala. It is located on the banks of the Bharathapuzha river in the small town of Cheruthuruthy in Thrissur District.

The development of Kalamandalam brought a second life to Kerala’s three main classical dance performing arts, as, by the turn of the 20th century, Kathakali, Kudiyattam, and Mohiniyattam were facing the danger of extinction under various colonial regulations. Kerala Kalamandalam has been considered to be the most prestigious Kathakali school in the entire world for decades. This legendary school of art was originally set up by the famous Malayalam poet, Vallathol Narayana Menon.

Kerala Kalamandalam was opened in Kunnamkulam, Kakkad, in November 1930, and was later transferred to the village of Cheruthuruthy, just south of Shoranur, in 1933. Its inestimable assets are veteran teachers and promising students. Artist-teachers and learners engage in art recitals, exhibitions, and seminars held in Kalamandalam and outside.