The century-old municipal building, which is the proposed site for Mayiladuthurai District Museum.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The proposal for establishing a district museum in Mayiladuthurai is gaining momentum, with a space for the same being shortlisted.
According to Mayiladuthurai MLA S. Rajakumar, who has been advocating for the initiative for over three years, a ₹3-crore grant from the State government is expected this year to facilitate the project.
“Along with the district administration and the Mayiladuthurai Municipality, we have identified the 130-year-old municipal building in the town as the ideal location for the museum. With the construction of the new municipal office nearing completion, this would be a perfect place for the proposed museum. Paperwork for the allocation of this space is under way,” Mr. Rajakumar told The Hindu.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Mr. Rajakumar noted, “Mayiladuthurai has a deep-rooted history, and a district museum will serve as an invaluable resource for future generations to understand our legacy.”
According to sources, the museum will feature exhibits on the lives and contributions of eminent personalities from the region, including Mayuram Vedanayagam Pillai, the first Tamil novelist; Kambar, the celebrated Tamil poet; Kannagi and Kovalan, central figures of the Tamil epic Silappadikaram; Thillaiyadi Valliammai, the freedom fighter; Kalki Krishnamurthy, the renowned writer; M.S. Udayamurthy, the social thinker; and Seerkazhi Govindarajan, the legendary Carnatic singer.
Additionally, the museum is expected to showcase the historical significance of Poompuhar, the literary heritage of Silappadikaram, and key events such as Mahatma Gandhi’s visits to the region and Swami Vivekananda’s stop here.
The proposed museum is set to be housed in the century-old, 20,000 sq.-ft municipal building, which is in a dilapidated state now. Though the Public Works Department had planned its restoration, ownership issues with the municipality delayed progress.
Mr. Rajakumar said the Mayiladuthurai Municipal Council was actively working to transfer the building to the Department of Museums for restoration and public use.
An official announcement on funding and project timelines is expected soon, said sources.
Published – February 02, 2025 06:41 pm IST