History

Since its humble inception in a one room building in the year 1937, RLV College crossed many hurdles to reach its present status of grandeur and glory. The erstwhile state of Kochi and its visionary rulers envisaged an academy for girls and elder ladies to impart the art of stitching and painting. The endeavour seeded the birth of RLV, “Radha Lakshmi Vilasam” in the name of King’s daughter Radha and wife Lakshmi. The academy developed into an institution and flourished by incorporating courses in vocal classes. (Carnatic Music). It began to offer Diploma and Post Diploma courses in Vocal, Bharata Natyam, Kathakali and Painting. In 1998, the courses were restructured into Under Graduate and Post Graduate courses as per Mahatma Gandhi University norms. The institute was renamed as RLV College of Music and Fine Arts and presently it offers 13 UG courses and 13 PG courses in Music, Performing Arts and Fine Arts departments.

RLV College bears the insignia of promoting and encouraging traditional and purist approaches to classical music and arts. It is indeed the Viswabharathi of South India. The college can proudly exhibit iconic artistes in all fields of music, dance and fine arts as its alumni. If offers four UG and PG courses in Kathakali and related areas. The college teaching faculty comprises of notable and renowned personalities. Most of them are top grade artists in AIR, Dooradarshan and winners of accolades from Sangeetha Nataka Academy. The Fine Arts section has teachers who are bestowed with Lalita Kala Academy awards and scholarships.

The students are encouraged to undertake higher level research studies in their courses. To impart practical knowledge and on – the – floor expertise, the college conducts Concerts, Lecture-Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Workshops, Dance festivals and Kathakali performances every year.  Scholar-in residence is the major highlight in this support system. The sessions are usually handled by experts and legendary figures pertained to these areas.

RLV College has state – of – the – art facilities and infrastructure to provide in – house practise and training. Recording studio, conservatory, Applied Arts Lab, Photography Studio, Smart Class rooms for Music and Performing Arts, Seminar Halls, Exhibition Gallery and Studio are a few of them.

The college proposes to disseminate the seeds of art and culture among the public and art connoisseurs alike. The greater dream of a Central University for Music /Performing Arts/Fine arts with RLV as its core partner is a much cherished one for all who espouse RLV College of Music and Fine Arts.