This college was started in 1970-1971 under the name 'Kalaignar Karunanidhi Government Arts College'. The then district collector of composite Thanjavur Mr.T.V.Andhoni, I.A.S., and his officials extended their helping hand to start college at the time. The college offering Pre University courses initially started functioning in the precincts of Thiyagaraja Temple, Tiruvarur.