The troupe has a colorful history of more than 85 years. Established in 1934 by renowned artiste, National awardee Late Keremane Shivarama Hegde the Troupe is steadily growing over the years. His son, late Sri Keremane Shambhu Hegde led the troupe to new heights during the last 40 years. The Troupe is named after the family diety Lord Ganapati of Idagunji (a nearby place to Gunavante of Honnavar Taluk,Karnataka).Today the troupe is striding towards new goals under the dynamic stewardship of his grandson, Sri Keremane Shivananda Hegde. Keremane is a family name and also a name of the place in Gunavante, Karnataka where the well-known Yakshagana artists' family is based.

​

 The troupe since its inception has been enacting the episodes of Indian Epics: Ramayana and Mahabharata. It has been the endeavor of the troupe to maintain purity in tradition and perfection in its performances. Many experiments and innovations are conducted without affecting the traditional heritage of this theatre. Since its beginning, the troupe has performed more than 8000 shows.

 

It has toured not only in India but also traveled extensively in USA, England, Spain, Bahrain, France, China, Nepal etc., to popularize this art. Unadulterated performance of Mandali has been keeping balance in attracting both common mass and intellectual group. The Mandali's constant exposure to experiments & innovations and consequent impact on the field of art inspired a researcher who obtained a doctorate by submitting a thesis to Karnataka University. The thesis "Contribution of Idagunji troupe to Yakshagana Art " which was published in book form in 1998. 

 

 Presently Mandali has 15 permanent artistes and 5 guest artistes and is engaged in giving performances all over the country.

 

The Wikipedia page on Our Troupe (The Mandali)