Kerala Kalamandalam

Michele March 11, 2023March 5, 2024

Kerala Kalamandalam: Preserving and Celebrating the Artistic Heritage of Kerala

Kerala Kalamandalam, located in Cheruthuruthy, Kerala, India, is a prestigious university that is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the artistic heritage of Kerala. Established in 1930, Kerala Kalamandalam is renowned for its contribution to the traditional performing arts of Kerala, including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, and more. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs in various disciplines of performing arts, with a focus on preserving the rich cultural traditions of Kerala. With its commitment to excellence, authenticity, and innovation, Kerala Kalamandalam equips its students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to excel in their chosen art forms and contribute to the cultural tapestry of Kerala.

Overview: Preserving and Celebrating the Artistic Heritage of Kerala

Kerala Kalamandalam stands as an institution that is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the artistic heritage of Kerala. The university offers programs that not only teach the various art forms but also delve into the cultural and historical aspects that surround them. Kerala Kalamandalam provides students with a platform to acquire deep knowledge, develop technical skills, and cultivate a passion for the performing arts. With its commitment to authenticity, innovation, and cultural preservation, Kerala Kalamandalam prepares its students to become skilled artists, custodians of tradition, and ambassadors of Kerala’s cultural legacy.

Founding History: A Vision for Cultural Preservation

Kerala Kalamandalam was founded in 1930 by renowned poet Vallathol Narayana Menon and Manakkulam Mukunda Raja with the vision of preserving and promoting the traditional performing arts of Kerala. Motivated by a deep love for the cultural heritage of Kerala, they aimed to establish an institution that would serve as a center for training, research, and performance of various art forms. Kerala Kalamandalam was formed with the objective of nurturing artistic excellence, preserving traditional art forms, and passing them on to future generations. Since its inception, Kerala Kalamandalam has been committed to providing a conducive environment for learning, research, and performance, and nurturing the artistic and personal growth of its students.

Departments: Celebrating the Rich Cultural Traditions

Kerala Kalamandalam encompasses specialized departments that cover a wide range of disciplines related to the performing arts of Kerala. Here are some of the prominent departments at the university:

Department of Kathakali: This department focuses on the study and practice of Kathakali, a traditional dance-drama form of Kerala. It nurtures skills in facial expressions, body movements, and storytelling techniques, preparing students for careers as Kathakali performers, instructors, and researchers.
Department of Mohiniyattam: This department specializes in the study and practice of Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form known for its graceful movements and expressive storytelling. It enhances skills in body postures, gestures, and rhythmic patterns, preparing students for careers as Mohiniyattam performers, instructors, and researchers.
Department of Koodiyattam: This department focuses on the study and practice of Koodiyattam, a traditional Sanskrit theater form recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. It nurtures skills in facial expressions, hand gestures, and vocal techniques, preparing students for careers as Koodiyattam performers, instructors, and researchers.
Department of Thullal: This department specializes in the study and practice of Thullal, a solo dance-drama form characterized by its humor and social satire. It enhances skills in facial expressions, body movements, and improvisation, preparing students for careers as Thullal performers, instructors, and researchers.
Department of Music: This department focuses on the study and practice of classical music forms such as Carnatic music and Sopana Sangeetham. It nurtures skills in vocal techniques, musical composition, and improvisation, preparing students for careers as musicians, vocalists, instructors, and researchers.

These departments reflect Kerala Kalamandalam’s commitment to providing specialized education in various disciplines of the performing arts, fostering interdisciplinary learning, and addressing the diverse needs of the industry and society.

Courses Offered: A Tapestry of Artistic Education

Kerala Kalamandalam offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs in various disciplines of the performing arts. Here are some of the notable courses offered at the university:

Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA): The BPA program offers undergraduate education in various disciplines of the performing arts, including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Thullal, and more. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the art form, technical skills, and prepares them for careers as performers, instructors, and researchers.
Master of Performing Arts (MPA): The MPA program offers postgraduate education in various disciplines of the performing arts, allowing students to specialize and deepen their knowledge in their chosen art form. It enhances technical excellence, research abilities, and prepares students for advanced careers as performers, instructors, and researchers.
Diploma Courses: Kerala Kalamandalam also offers diploma courses in various disciplines of performing arts, providing focused education and training for students who wish to pursue a specific art form intensively.
Short-term Courses: The university offers short-term courses and workshops for enthusiasts and practitioners who wish to gain exposure and refine their skills in specific aspects of the performing arts of Kerala.

These programs reflect Kerala Kalamandalam’s commitment to excellence, authenticity, and cultural preservation in the field of performing arts.

Summary: Preserving and Celebrating the Artistic Heritage of Kerala

Kerala Kalamandalam stands as a prestigious institution that is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the artistic heritage of Kerala. With its founding history, commitment to authenticity, and innovation, the university has become a custodian of the traditional performing arts of Kerala.

Through its specialized departments, comprehensive programs, and emphasis on research and performance, Kerala Kalamandalam fosters an environment that encourages artistic growth, innovation, and a sense of cultural responsibility among its students. The university’s commitment to education, research, and celebration of Kerala’s artistic heritage equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values to excel in their chosen art forms, contribute to the cultural tapestry of Kerala, and promote the rich artistic heritage of the region.

As Kerala Kalamandalam continues its journey of preserving and celebrating the artistic heritage of Kerala, it remains a destination of choice for aspiring artists, researchers, and enthusiasts seeking quality education, research opportunities, and a platform for artistic expression. By providing a platform for artistic excellence, research, and cultural preservation, the university continues to shape the future and empower students to become skilled artists, custodians of tradition, and ambassadors of Kerala’s cultural legacy.

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