Formation of a committee to collect funds to establish a government college for the region. The committee included the Collector of Thanjavur District as President, the Revenue Divisional Officer, Mannargudi as Secretary, and Mr. T.G. Chandrasekaran Chettiyar as Treasurer.
Many philanthropists, devout individuals, and organizations from Mannargudi, including Former Minister Honorable Mannai P. Narayanasamy, played a distinguished role in establishing the college and constructing its building.
07.07.1971 - Commissioning of the college and commencement of undergraduate classes at M.R. Government Arts College, Mannargudi, Thiruvarur District, affiliated with the University of Madras.
13.08.1971 - Formal inauguration of the college by the then Honorable Chief Minister Dr. M. Karunanithi, Government of Tamil Nadu.
06.02.1974 - Former Honorable Chief Minister Dr. M. Karunanithi, Government of Tamil Nadu, declared open a newly constructed examination hall.
1982-1983 academic year - M.R. Government Arts College, Mannargudi, Thiruvarur District, became affiliated with Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli.
2004-2005 academic year - Commencement of Postgraduate programs.
2013-2014 academic year - M.R. Government Arts College, Mannargudi, Thiruvarur District, was elevated to an 'A Grade' college by the Directorate of Collegiate Education, Department of Higher Education, Government of Tamil Nadu.
2013-2014 academic year - Commencement of M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs in nine departments.
13.08.2021 Inception and Golden Jubilee celebrations of M.R. Government Arts College, Mannargudi, Thiruvarur District.