The Hindu : Kerala News : Hoping to draw more visitors

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008
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Kerala

Hoping to draw more visitors

Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum to sport new look

— Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup

Awaiting visitors: The Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum in Kozhikode.

The Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum in Kozhikode expects to draw more visitors in the coming months.

Situated on East Hill, five km from the city, in 2.5 acres of greenery, the museum is managed by the State Archaeological Department.

Despite setbacks such as discontinuation of bus service to East Hill, the museum has had a good year. “We had our biggest collection of all time, during this February (Rs.40,000),” display technician and in-charge of the museum V. Chandran says.

He says the museum, with its underground chambers for display of artefacts, has several rare items in its possession. It has on display palanquin used by Saktan Thampuran, King of Cochin; models of Kerala temples; ‘panchaloha’ idols; cannons used by Kunjali Marakkar; centuries-old burial pots; umbrella stones; dolmenoid cists; and ancient coins and weapons, among other artefacts.

The museum, which is awaiting a Rs.2-lakh renovation project, will soon sport a new look with several new artefacts put on display, better lighting arrangements and fresh pedestals installed.

“We expect to finish the work without any delay,” Mr. Chandran says.

The museum is named after Pazhassi Raja Kerala Varma of the Padinjare Kovilakom of the Kottayam royal family. The famous Pazhassi revolt against the British East India Company, during the second half of the 1700s, was led by Pazhassi Raja.

Jabir Mushthari

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