Established in 1995 for the propagation and preservation of traditional arts like Kutiyattam, Kuthu and Nagyarkuthu, the centre mainly concentrates on introducing Kutiyattam to the new audience by conducting appreciation classes and foundation courses. It has so far conducted over 200 such classes in different parts of the state and outside.

Kutiyattam has declined in its popularity due to several social changes. It can be resurrected only by concerted efforts to create a group of connoisseurs who can understand the classical art. The intricacies of this art form demand at least a rudimentary knowledge about it on the part of the audience. It is with this idea that the centre organises Foundation courses. The centre also conducts camps, lecture-cum-demonstration classes, and regular performances of Kutiyattam, Kuthu and Nagiar Kuthu. Brochures, descriptive synopses and booklets on Kutiyattam are prepared and distributed among the participants to enable them to understand the nuances involved. A video cassette on introductory demonstration class and an audio cassette on ragas are also available for demonstration classes.

The centre has taken up serious research studies on ancient theatre and it has a publication wing also. The lofty objectives the centre cherishes include institution of research scholarships, fellowships etc to be awarded to students and scholars, tracing out ancient stage manuals, manuscripts, kramadeepika (acting manuals), etc., publishing them and constructing of a model Kuthambalam.


Projects taken
Microfilming the manuscript collection from ancient times of Ravivarma Samskrta Grandhavali, Govt. Sanskrit College Tripunithura, under the auspices of Indira Gandhi Center for Arts, New Delhi .
Preparing a descriptive catalogue of the manuscripts.
Research on Attaprakara - the stage version used by Chakyars for Kutiyattam.
Preparing the text with translation and notes for Vyngyavyakhya, the 11th century stage manual for Sanskrit drama used for Kutiyattam.
Conducting short-term appreciation courses for Kutiyattam.

Research papers
Presentation of Inner meaning- A tradition peculiar to Kerala Sanskrit Theatre
All India Oriental Conference, XXVI, Pune. 1993
The Kerala Sanskrit Theatre
All India Oriental Conference, Oriental Institute, M. S. University, Vadodara. 1998
Classical Theatre of Kerala during the Last 500 Years
International Conference on Europe and South Asia - 500 years, Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi.1998
Traditional Theatre
National Seminar on Tradition and Contemporary Theatre, Kendra Sahitya Academy, February, Rabindrabhavan, New Delhi. 2000

Guidance for research projects
Author-Narrator Interaction in the Mahabharata - A study in the light of Modern Narratology - Ramakumaran Thampuran. Submitted
Mantranka - the play and its presentation on Kutiyattam stage - Prof. M. V. Gopalakrishnan - Part Time. Progressing
Ascharyacudamani on the Kerala stage - K. K. Beena - Part Time.
Women in Kutiyattam - P. R. Mini - Part Time. Progressing