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. A degree course in History was started in the subsequent year. Then the college was shifted to a new building which was opened by the Honourable Chief Minister. Kalaignar M.Karunanidhi and the Educational Minister Dr.Era.Nedunchezhiyan in the presence of the Governor of Tamilnadu, Mr. K. K. Sha on 2nd June 1972. The Economic and the Commerce classes were commenced in the same year.
The college was elevated as a Postgraduate educational institution within the four years with the support and patronage of the Government of Tamilnadu. The Postgraduate degree in History was started in 1974 and the M.Com., course in 1975. The B.Sc., degree course in Mathematics was started in 1976-77 and the degree course in Chemistry inthe year 1979-80.
The name of this college was changed to 'Thiru.Vi.Ka. Government Arts College' during the centenary celebrations of 'Thiru.Vi.Ka' the renowned Tamil scholar, and labour leader. The degree course in Zoology and the Commerce(evening) classes also were commenced in 1982-83. In 1990-91 the degree course in Physics was introduced and the M.Phil research degree course in History was started in 1995-96. Subsequently the vocational course in B.A., was commenced in 1997-98 and the Computer Science course at the Undergraduate level started functioning in 1998-99.
