Chronology

The college was founded on 1st February 1906 by the Hon’ble Sri V. Krishnaswami Iyer, a visionary committed to the advancement of traditional learning. It commenced its academic activities in a rented building owned by Sri Bhasyam Iyengar, situated in Pelatope, Mylapore. The course of study extended over five years, culminating in the award of the Visarada certificate. This credential recognized proficiency in classical disciplines such as Veda, Smrithi, Mimamsa, Vedanta, and related subjects. In keeping with the evolving intellectual climate of the time, special provision was made for the study of English and modern methods of criticism, ensuring a balanced integration of traditional scholarship and contemporary thought.

In 1907, the institution received official recognition from the Government of Madras, affirming its academic and cultural significance.

The college was affiliated to the University of Madras and was included among the aided institutions. It received a grant of ₹1,000, marking a significant milestone in its academic development.

The college appointed professors for the teaching of English, reflecting its commitment to integrating classical and modern education.

The college introduced the Sahitya Siromani course, further enriching its academic repertoire. It also began preparing students for the Certificate of Proficiency in Oriental Learning, Hindu Law, and Philology, reflecting a broadened commitment to classical scholarship and specialized studies.

The college inaugurated Veda Bhashya courses in Rig Veda and Krishna Yajurveda, reaffirming its commitment to the rigorous study of sacred texts. In the years that followed, the curriculum was further enriched with the introduction of Sama Veda Bhashya and Sukla Yajurveda Bhashya, made possible through financial assistance from the Ministry of Education and Social Welfare, Government of India. These distinguished courses remained in active instruction until 1972, serving as a cornerstone of the institution’s contribution to Vedic scholarship and cultural preservation.

The college inaugurated the Jyothisha Siromani course under the auspices of the University of Madras, with substantial financial assistance from the Government of India.

With academic affiliation from the University of Madras and financial support from the Government of India, the college instituted the Vyakarana Siromani course—further deepening its commitment to classical Sanskrit studies and enriching its curricular foundation in traditional grammar.

With the endorsement of the State Government, the college was accorded recognition by the Government of India under the Adarsha Sanskrit Pathasala Scheme, administered by the Ministry of Education and Culture, and was awarded financial support thereafter.

The University of Madras revised the structure of the Siromani course, extending its duration from four to five years. Under this enhanced academic framework, two additional language papers—English and either Tamil or Hindi—were introduced alongside the existing syllabus of Sastraic subjects. The language curriculum encompassed texts prescribed for the S.S.L.C., Higher Secondary (+2), and B.A. levels, examined progressively at the end of the first, third, and fifth years of study.

The institution welcomed its first set of women students, marking a pivotal step towards inclusive education.

With the esteemed approval of the University of Madras, the Nyaya Siromani course was ceremoniously inaugurated.

Commencing this academic year, the University of Madras has restructured the Sanskrit Siromani course, extending its duration to seven years under the 10+2+3+2 academic model. The revision aligns with the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) and adopts a semester-based framework to enhance curricular flexibility and academic rigour. The revised curriculum comprises three sequential stages: the Prak-Siromani course (2 years), Sanskrit Siromani Madhyama (B.A.) programme (3 years), and Sanskrit Siromani (M.A.) programme (2 years). To equip students with essential skills for contemporary academic and professional environments, the University has made English, Hindi/Tamil, and Computer Science compulsory subjects within this seven-year programme, thereby fostering linguistic proficiency and digital literacy alongside classical scholarship.