03-05-2025
Plan is all ready but no sign yet of freedom museum at Humayun Mahal
Chennai: More than two years after restoration of the iconic
Humayun Mahal
, plans for an
Independence Day Museum
at the site remain stuck. The space, meant to showcase stories of the country's freedom struggle with a focus on Tamil Nadu, is yet to see any work on the ground.
The Department of Museums had pitched as as an interactive tribute to freedom fighters. Plans included life-size models, rare photographs, historic artefacts, audiovisual presentations, and interactive kiosks.
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However, progress has been slow. A senior official from the department said, "The DPR, storyline, and artefact list have been cleared by the govt. A detailed proposal is expected to be approved in a fortnight. But we are still awaiting a formal govt order. Only then we can commence work."
by Taboola
by Taboola
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The museum plan includes a curator's room, library, waiting hall, play area for children, and themed galleries. Designers proposed a mix of traditional displays and modern interactive technology.
While the delay has sparked frustration among heritage enthusiasts and historians, the recent clearance of the DPR offers a glimmer of hope. "It's an excellent location this was once the palace of the Carnatic ruler. The museum will feature six galleries including themes such as British rule, women freedom fighters, martyrs, and original magazines from 1947. Artefacts have been identified from private collections and museums across the country," an official added.
Humayun Mahal, built in 1770, spans 76,567sqft and includes a two-storey darbar hall, 13 long halls, and more than 100 teakwood doors. A fire in 2012 destroyed much of the structure. The PWD Heritage Wing restored the building using traditional material such as athangudi tiles, Madras terrace roofing, lime plaster, and Madras achikal bricks. The restoration, which began in 2019, faced multiple setbacks.
Kavitha Ramu, director of museums, was not available for comment.