Five years on, Tiruchy museum renovation still in limbo
The museum was relocated from Cantonment to the Darbar Hall in 1998. Historians expressed concerns that hundreds of invaluable artefacts – ranging from stone sculptures and coins to palm-leaf manuscripts – that are cramped up in a single room to facilitate the renovation work could get irrevocably damaged without adequate protective measures.
The State Archaeology Department approached the Union government with a proposal to restore the building, built in the 16th century by King Chokkanatha Nayak, after frescoes and decorative elements began to fade and in some places disappeared entirely.
In response, the union government sanctioned Rs 3.75 crore under the Museum Grants Scheme in 2019 to renovate the hall. The first phase included cementing and interior painting, which were completed. However, due to the COVID-19 lock downs, the work came to a halt, and has not resumed.
Open-air exhibits are particularly at risk. Several rare sculptures and historical objects, including a four-foot-tall Buddha statue, a 10th-century Mahaveer sculpture, 14th-century Pallava artefacts, an East India Company cannon, and idols of Hindu gods and goddesses, are exposed to the elements.
Dr R Kalaikovan, director of the Dr Rajamanickanar Historical Research Centre, said his team had handed over 16 granite sculptures, including those of Buddha, Mahaveer, and Chola-period artefacts, to the museum. 'All the sculptures and artefacts must be preserved properly so this historical legacy can be passed on to future generations. If timely action is not taken, we risk losing our history,' he warned.
Kalaikovan stressed that there is ample space around the hall for expansion and urged the district administration to allocate land within the premises for protective storage and display. He also opposed the proposal to shift the museum to Panjapur. 'The current location is ideal, surrounded by schools and colleges. Since the land is already government-owned, there's no need to relocate. Even the Madras Museum was expanded at its original site,' he added.
Speaking to P Manimuthu, Curator of the Government Museum, told TNIE, 'We are waiting for funds to be released by the government. Once the funds are sanctioned, the work will be completed. We have already submitted the request.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Netaji's daughter seeks return of father's remains from Japan
Kolkata: Subhas Chandra Bose's daughter Anita Bose Pfaff has yet again appealed to Union govt to repatriate the freedom fighter's ashes that lie in a temple in Tokyo. Netaji died in a plane crash in Taihoku, modern day Taipei City, on Aug 18, 1945. He was en route to Tokyo following Emperor Hirohito's announcement of Japan's surrender in a nationwide radio message, which ended Japan's support for his and the Indian National Army's struggle for India's independence. In a statement issued on the eve of his 80th death anniversary, Pfaff appealed that her father's remains be brought from the Renko-ji Temple in Tokyo. She had made a similar appeal on the eve of Netaji's 128th birth anniversary on Jan 23 this year. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Gold Rates Today in Kolkata | Silver Rates Today in Kolkata Following Japan's surrender, Netaji had set out to fly to Tokyo on Aug 17, 1945. The crash on Aug 18 resulted in severe burns, leading to his death the same day. He was cremated in Taipei, and his remains were subsequently taken to Tokyo. The head priest of Renko-ji Temple agreed to safeguard Netaji's remains "for a few months" at the request of the Indian community in Tokyo. Nearly a century later, his remains continue to be honoured and cared for by the current generation of head priests. "When asked about his greatest fear, Netaji reportedly stated it was 'to be in exile'. He had returned to India from exile in Europe in the 1930s despite warnings of immediate imprisonment. He only escaped from India again to avoid renewed imprisonment, continuing his fight for freedom from abroad and remaining in exile until death. As Netaji's daughter I invite Indians of today who still remember him and respect him to support his posthumous return from exile, to support the transfer of his mortal remains to India for a final disposal," Pfaff said. Other Bose family members in Kolkata have also appealed to the Union govt to bring back the ashes. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
After two decades, ASI resumes underwater archaeological studies off Mahabalipuram
The Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has resumed underwater archaeological studies on submerged remains off the Mahabalipuram coast. The exercise is in continuation of the earlier studies done about two decades ago. The UAW had undertaken archaeological studies at the Mahabalipuram coast in 2001 and subsequently, systematic excavations were carried out in 2004-05, which involved diving operations and surveys. The investigations had provided evidence of submerged structures. Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its rock-cut monuments, temples, and sculptures of the Pallava period (7th-8th century CE). Beyond its monumental architecture on land, the site has long been associated with historical accounts and legends of submerged structures lying beneath the sea. The UAW has launched a new phase of fieldwork at Mahabalipuram, building on the earlier discoveries. The team is equipped with a newly acquired Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) which can capture high-resolution imagery and video documentation of submerged remains without causing physical disturbance. The use of ROV not only enables exploration of deeper and more challenging marine environments but also enhances safety and precision in underwater research. The exercise began a few days ago and the ASI team comprised, Alok Tripathi, Additional Director General, Aprajita Sharma, Head of Underwater Archaeology Wing, Assistant Epigraphist, Sanjay Kumar Sharma, Senior Photographer, and assisted by archaeologists of ASI's Chennai Circle. In a post on X, the ASI said that the UAW is 'exploring the submerged remains off Mahabalipuram coast to solve the riddle of the ancient past built during the 7-8th century Pallava dynasty which served as a landmark to the sailors for hundreds of years.' Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a post on X, said that the team was being guided by a woman diver-archaeologist. 'Proud of the UAW, out in the waters off Mahabalipuram bringing to light its hidden stories... Thanks to their dedication, the treasures beneath the waves will be cared for, just like the monuments that rise on the shore – for generations to discover and cherish,' he said. The first underwater exploration at Mahabalipuram in 2001 was carried out around the area to the east of the shore temple. Further investigation was conducted in 2004-05 to the north of Shore temple. Systematic study to the north of Mahisasura rock brought to light submerged remains of 'archaeological interest' including three walls and a number of carved architectural members belonging to ancient temples, ASI officials said.
New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Don't make dogs pay for human inefficiency
It's an impractical idea, not to mention inhumane and cruel. If dogs are rounded up and stuffed in cages, they would fight and be subjected to great cruelty, even killing. A TV analyst suggested the dogs should be rounded up and sent to the forests in the Aravalli hills around Delhi. Does he not know that they will form feral packs? And a pack of feral dogs can bring down a tiger, not to mention several humans. The ABC rules came into force after its successful implementation by NGOs in Chennai, Jaipur and Kalimpong in 2010. Rabies cases came to zero and dog bite cases came down drastically by 2021. But municipalities were either lethargic or too corrupt to continue ABC seriously. Meanwhile, Covid stopped all public activity. So 'community feeders' stepped in to feed the hungry dogs, as there were roadside stalls or such to feed them. However, when the lockdown was lifted, the community feeders kept feeding, but few took responsibility for their dogs. Many did not sterilise, immunise or check their packs for diseases. They kept feeding, the dogs kept mating and giving birth to puppies that were dumped in shelters or grew up roaming the streets. Meanwhile, the municipalities did not bother to perform their legal obligation of sterilising and vaccinating the street dogs. If they did, the dogs picked up in one area would be let loose elsewhere, leaving frightened and angry dogs attacking each other and passersby. The ABC rules specify that they must be released in the area where they were picked up, but few municipalities cared to observe the rule.
