The great art of Kathakali was passing into decline. Kathakali was indeed entering dark days. One by one old Kathakali companies sheltered as they were by great Tharavads (Families) were being given up. Vallathol and Mukundaraja decided to resurrect and give second births to Kathakali and other quintessential indigenous art forms of Kerala like Mohiniyattam Koodiyattam and many others. Vallathol was ridiculed by some for trying to resurrect Kathakali which for them was just a Oomakali (Dumb show or dance of the Dumb) because no speaking is involved. In connection with the fund raising for the establishment of Kerala kalamandalam Mahakavi met Sir C. P. Ramaswamy Iyer then Advocate General of Madras Presidency to get approval for lottery ticket sales . Sir C. P. was so impressed with Mahakavi that he remarked to his team Vallathol is a person to be underlined !! Despite all hurdles Kalamandalam was founded and grew in the poet's affection and supervision.

Artist Namboodiri's Drawing

Old Kalamandalam

New Kalamandalam