Kerala Kalamandalam - KK, Thrissur, Kerala: About Us, Courses, Eligibility, Fees, Admission, Ranking, Syllabus, Placement 2024

Kerala Kalamandalam: About Us

Kerala Kalamandalam in Thrissur is a renowned institution dedicated to the preservation and education of traditional Indian performing arts, particularly those from Kerala. Established in 1930 by the poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, it’s recognized as a Deemed University for Art and Culture. Located on the banks of the Bharathapuzha river, it offers training in art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Kudiyattam, adhering to the ancient Gurukula system of education, fostering a deep bond between teacher and student. It’s a cultural hub that attracts artists and scholars globally.

Kerala Kalamandalam Vision, Mission & Objectives

Vision:

To be a premier institution for Indian performing arts.

To preserve the cultural heritage of Kerala’s art forms.

Mission:

To provide comprehensive education in traditional performing arts.

To adhere to the ancient Gurukula system of education.

To foster excellence in art and culture.

Objectives:

To revive and sustain classical art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Kudiyattam.

To facilitate cultural exchange and global outreach.

To conduct research and promote innovation within traditional arts.

Kerala Kalamandalam Admission Process, Eligibility Criteria, and Fee Structure

Course	Duration	Eligibility Criteria	Admission Process	Fee Structure (INR)
BA	3 years	10+2 qualified	Admission Test + Interview	46,101
MA	2 years	Graduation in relevant subjects with minimum C+ grade	Admission Test + Interview	-
Ph.D.	3-5 years	Post Graduation degree in relevant subjects with minimum 55% marks	Admission Test + Interview (UGC – JRF holders exempted from written exam)	51,001

How do I apply for admission to Kerala Kalamandalam?

To apply for admission to Kerala Kalamandalam, you can follow these steps:

1. Application Form: Obtain the application form from Kerala Kalamandalam’s official website or the admission desk of the university.

2. Fill Details: Complete the application form with your personal and educational details.

3. Documents: Attach the necessary documents as specified by the university.

4. Application Fee: Pay the application fee, which is INR 500 for general candidates and INR 200 for SC/ST candidates.

5. Admission Test and Interview: Appear for the admission test and interview conducted by the university.

6. Selection: If selected, complete the remaining admission formalities.

Kerala Kalamandalam Facilities

Library: A comprehensive library with over 50,000 books related to theater, music, dance, Indian history, aesthetics, epics, and Puranas.

Hostel: Residential facilities for students to stay during their course duration.

Performance Spaces: Traditional and modern stages, including the iconic Koothambalam, for performances and practice.

Departments: Specialized departments for various art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kuttiyattam, Mridangam, Chenda, Karnatic Music, Malayalam, English, and Sanskrit.

Cultural Exchange: Programs and workshops for cultural exchange and global outreach.

These facilities support the institution’s mission to preserve and promote the rich traditions of Kerala’s performing arts.

Career Opportunities after Kerala Kalamandalam

Graduates from Kerala Kalamandalam have a wide array of career opportunities, leveraging their specialized training in traditional performing arts. Here are some potential career paths:

Performance Artist: Many graduates become professional artists in their trained art forms, performing in India and abroad.

Instructor/Teacher: With deep knowledge of their art, graduates can teach at educational institutions or conduct private classes.

Choreographer: Creating and directing performances for stage and film.

Cultural Ambassador: Representing Indian culture in international forums and cultural exchange programs.

Researcher: Conducting research in performing arts, contributing to academic and practical knowledge.

Arts Administration: Managing cultural institutions, festivals, and events related to traditional arts.

These opportunities allow graduates to contribute to the preservation and propagation of traditional Indian performing arts while pursuing fulfilling careers.

Kerala Kalamandalam Placements

Placement Cell: Kerala Kalamandalam has a placement cell that mediates between students and recruiters.

Internships: The institution offers internship opportunities with reputed companies.

Artistic Fields: Students find placements in various artistic fields, including choreography and music.

Companies: Past recruiters include American Express, Deloitte, and McKinsey.

Packages: Placement packages range from Rs 5 LPA to Rs 7.5 LPA.

Kerala Kalamandalam Activities

Training Programs: Intensive training in various art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kudiyattam, and more.

Performances: Regular performances by students and maestros in the iconic Koothambalam and other venues.

Cultural Festivals: Hosting and participating in festivals that celebrate traditional arts and culture.

Workshops and Seminars: Conducting workshops and seminars for deeper engagement with the arts.

Scholarships and Awards: Providing scholarships and awards to support and encourage talented students.

Global Outreach: Cultural exchange programs to promote Kerala’s art forms internationally.

These activities not only preserve and promote the traditional performing arts of Kerala but also contribute to the cultural education of students and enthusiasts from around the world.

Kerala Kalamandalam Scholarships Program

Kerala Kalamandalam offers various scholarships to support and encourage students pursuing their passion in traditional performing arts. Here are some of the scholarships available:

Vazhekada Kunju Nair Award: Recognizes outstanding performance in Kathakali.

Moothaman Venkichan Award: Honors excellence in Mohiniyattam.

Kummini Award: Acknowledges exceptional talent in music.

Achutha Warrier Award: Rewards academic excellence and proficiency in art forms.

These scholarships are often instituted by admirers and disciples of maestros in their respective fields. They typically include cash awards and are designed to help students financially during their course of study at Kalamandalam.

Kerala Kalamandalam Affiliation and Accreditation

Deemed University: Recognized as a Deemed University for Art and Culture by the Government of India.

UGC Accreditation: Accredited with ‘A’ category status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India.

Cultural Heritage: A major center for learning Indian performing arts, especially those from Kerala.

Government Support: Functions as a grant-in-aid institution under the Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Kerala.

These points highlight Kerala Kalamandalam’s esteemed position in the field of traditional performing arts education.

Kerala Kalamandalam's FAQs

What is Kerala Kalamandalam?

Kerala Kalamandalam is a renowned institution in Thrissur dedicated to preserving and educating traditional Indian performing arts, particularly those from Kerala. Established in 1930 by poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, it is recognized as a Deemed University for Art and Culture.

What courses does Kerala Kalamandalam offer?

Kerala Kalamandalam offers courses such as BA, MA, and Ph.D. in various traditional performing arts like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Kudiyattam.

How can I apply for admission to Kerala Kalamandalam?

To apply for admission, you can obtain the application form from the official website or the admission desk of the university. Fill out the form with your details, attach necessary documents, pay the application fee, and appear for the admission test and interview conducted by the university.

What are the career opportunities after studying at Kerala Kalamandalam?

Graduates from Kerala Kalamandalam can pursue careers as performance artists, instructors, choreographers, cultural ambassadors, researchers, or in arts administration.

Does Kerala Kalamandalam offer scholarships?

Yes, Kerala Kalamandalam offers scholarships to support and encourage students pursuing traditional performing arts. Some of the scholarships available include the Vazhekada Kunju Nair Award, Moothaman Venkichan Award, Kummini Award, and Achutha Warrier Award.

Is Kerala Kalamandalam affiliated or accredited?

Yes, Kerala Kalamandalam is recognized as a Deemed University for Art and Culture by the Government of India and is accredited with ‘A’ category status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India.

What facilities are available at Kerala Kalamandalam?

Kerala Kalamandalam offers facilities such as a comprehensive library, hostel accommodation, performance spaces, specialized departments for various art forms, and programs for cultural exchange and global outreach.