Epigraphy museum to come up in Madurai
Addressing archaeologists and scholars at the conference, Thennarasu stressed the need to accord equal importance to the study of inscriptions and coins alongside archaeological excavations. "We often speak about excavations, but inscriptions carry the voice of history. Epigraphy must receive the same attention," he said. Thennarasu also announced that a national conference on epigraphy and inscriptions will be organised in Tamil Nadu in Jan 2026.
"The govt has sanctioned ₹30 lakh for the event," he said.
Asked about the open-air museum being developed at Keeladi, he said the ₹18 crore project is nearing completion and would be inaugurated before year-end or in early Jan. He said the state govt recently raised the excavation budget from ₹5 crore to ₹7 crore following discussions in the Assembly.
Thennarasu said that young people's growing interest in history, archaeology, and inscriptions is a welcome trend.
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"Forums that simplify complex historical subjects for the public are playing a vital role in building awareness," he said. He added that thematic museums are being planned at heritage sites like Thirumalai Nayak Palace in Madurai to provide immersive experiences to visitors.
Thennarasu assured activists and members of the public from Pudukottai who met him that a proposal to set up a museum at Porpanaikkottai, where important archaeological findings from the Sangam era have been unearthed since 2021, will be seriously considered.
"The demand for establishing a museum there is completely valid and will definitely be taken into consideration," he said. Excavations at the site have revealed culturally significant findings, drawing parallels with sites like Keeladi. However, the second phase of excavation has now concluded and the pits have been closed.
The minister released a commemorative book titled Thisaiyayiram, honouring veteran epigraphy scholar S Rajagopal at the event. Archaeologist and secretary of 'Pandiya Naatu Varalatru Aiyvu Mayam' C Santhalingam, and state archaeology department assistant director V P Yathees Kumar were also present.
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