Kerala Kalamandalam is the premiere public institution in India preserving the artistic heritage of Kerala through rigorous training and performance. Imparting systematic training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kutiyattam, Panchavadyam, Thullal, Mridangam, Karnatic music and their sub-divisions such as vocal music, instrumental music, make-up and costuming constitute the curriculum of Kalamandalam, which has been functioning as a deemed to be university from 2007 onwards. It was the revolutionary vision of the romantic poet and art aficionado, Vallathol Narayana Menon and his close associate, Manakkulam Mukundaraja.