A Tamil drama troupe staging a new historical, mythological or social play can get Rs 1.5 lakh from the state, and so can a dance-drama production, according to the Art and Culture Department’s May 2024 RTI disclosure. The grants come from the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram, the state’s arts council, which funds five plays and five dance-dramas a year this way.
These production grants are among a handful of lesser-known Manram schemes that matter to Chennai’s working artists: money for young performers, cheap train travel for troupes, grants for books on rare arts and help for families of artists who have died. Here is what each offers, based on the department’s own documents.
Production grants for plays and dance-dramas
The RTI disclosure budgets Rs 15 lakh a year: Rs 7.5 lakh for five new dramas and Rs 7.5 lakh for five new dance-dramas, at Rs 1.5 lakh each. The department’s scheme page says plays must be historical, mythological or social productions that bring out Tamil culture, literature and valour, and dance-dramas should be based on Tamil arts, literature and culture. It counts 102 dramas and 35 dance-dramas staged so far with this support.
For Chennai troupes that usually rely on sabha slots and ticket sales, the grant can cover sets, costumes and rehearsal costs for a new production.
Encouragement for young artistes
The Manram gives Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 to help young artists train and stage performances in vocal music, Bharatanatyam and instrumental music. The money is routed through voluntary cultural organisations rather than paid to individuals directly, and the scheme page says 1,993 young artists have benefited. The RTI disclosure puts annual spending at Rs 20 lakh.
If you run a small sabha or cultural association, this is the scheme to ask about: it lets an organisation present young talent with state support.
Instruments and costumes for folk artists
Two sets of figures exist. The scheme page describes grants of Rs 2,000 to individual folk artists and Rs 6,000 to troupes for instruments or costumes, with 1,585 artists and 307 troupes helped. The newer RTI disclosure and the 2024-25 policy note both describe Rs 10,000 each for 500 folk artists for stage equipment, instruments and costumes. The higher, more recent figure is likely the current one, but ask the Manram before you apply.
Travel concessions for performers
According to the RTI disclosure:
- Train: individual artists and troupes of more than three artists can get 75% off second-class fares and 50% off first-class fares when travelling to perform.
- Bus: professional drama troupes travel at half fare on Tamil Nadu government buses.
The concession is tied to performances, so keep the invitation or programme letter ready when you seek the Manram’s certificate.
Books, families and older artists
Books on rare arts
The Manram funds five books a year at Rs 2 lakh each, a Rs 10 lakh annual budget, for works on rare art forms. The scheme page counts 119 books published. Researchers documenting a disappearing folk form or a family repertoire can apply.
Help for families and older artists
- Family maintenance grant: a one-time Rs 25,000, raised from Rs 10,000, for the families of noted artists in music, drama, dance, film and folk arts who have died. Nearly 500 families have received it.
- Monthly assistance: Rs 3,000 a month for life to aged artists in hardship, continuing to the spouse.
| Scheme | Amount |
|---|---|
| New drama or dance-drama | Rs 1.5 lakh per production |
| Young artistes (through organisations) | Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 |
| Folk instruments and costumes | Rs 10,000 per artist (2024 figure) |
| Book on a rare art | Rs 2 lakh per book |
| Family maintenance grant | Rs 25,000, one time |
| Rail travel to perform | 75% off second class, 50% off first class |
Where to ask
The Manram works under the state Department of Art and Culture. Applications are usually invited through newspaper notices. For forms and current rules, contact the Directorate of Art and Culture, Tamil Development Campus, second floor, Tamil Salai, Egmore, Chennai 600 008, on 044 2819 3194 or 2819 3195, or by email at artandculture@tn.gov.in as listed on its contact page.
Quick answers
Does Tamil Nadu fund new plays?
Yes. The Eyal Isai Nataka Manram gives Rs 1.5 lakh each to five new dramas and five new dance-dramas a year.
Can a drama troupe get cheaper train tickets?
Yes. The Manram’s concession gives 75% off second-class and 50% off first-class fares for travel to perform.
Who gets the young artistes grant?
Young performers in vocal, instrumental music and Bharatanatyam, through voluntary cultural organisations that present them.
Information checked against official sources on 18 October 2026. Fees, dates and rules can change; confirm on the linked official pages before acting.
Sources
- Schemes of Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram (Department of Art and Culture)
- RTI Section 4(1)(b) disclosure, 24.05.2024 (Department of Art and Culture, Tamil Nadu)
- Art and Culture Policy Note 2024-25 (Government of Tamil Nadu)
- Contact us (Department of Art and Culture, Tamil Nadu)
- Art and Culture Policy Note 2017-18 (Government of Tamil Nadu)
