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The teaching and learning of Kutiyattam and Kuttu were conducted in houses of Nambyars or Cakyars. These centers of learning was also called Kalaries. But now these traditional Kalaries are absent. They are converted into modern institutions and named as 'Gurukulas'. Students belonging to different communities are admitted to these gurukulas run by the families of Nambyars and Cakyars. At the same time these Gurukulas are not completely open to all. In fact they are following two types of education. The first type is meant exclusively for the students of Nambyar and Cakyar families in the name of the 'protection of family tradition'. Another type is for the students of general category because these 'Gurukulas' are they are getting financial grant for the teaching of such

187 students. So attendance of these general category students is compulsory in the 'Gurukulas'.` 34 At present only a few families are teaching Kutiyattam, Kuttu, and Pathakam traditionally under the banner of Gurukulams. For eg. Chachucakyar Smaraka Gurukulam. Irinjalakuda, Perincallur Manicakyar Gurukulam, Kozhikode, Manimadhavacakyar Smaraka Gurukulam Palakkad, Pothiyil Gurukulam Kottayam, Koypa Gurukulam, Kidangur Gurukulam, Muzhikulam Gurukulam and Margi institutions at Thiruvananhapura. 35 Today only a few actors have the traditional knowledge and skill to perform Kutiyattam. About a dozen Cakyar actors regularly act Sanskrit plays in the Kutiyattam form. The plays of Bhasa, kalidasa, Kulasekhara, Sakti bhadra are commonly staged. The eldest male member of the family (Cakyar and Nambyar) of actors is regarded as the head of a family. He is responsible for keeping the traditions alive by teaching the secrets of the arts to the younger generation of his family. Kutiyattam has survived centuries precisely because men such as these have transmitted their knowledge to the members of their families with at utmost devotion. Today people in general are interested in this art form.