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Kerala

A glimpse of Kerala history

Special Correspondent

STOREHOUSE OF HISTORY: The Museum of Kerala History at Edapally.

KOCHI: The history of Kerala tells stories of prestigious kingdoms and bountiful art and culture. This history can be perceived in pictures and sculptures at the Museum of Kerala History, Edappally.

Set up by the Madhavan Nayar Foundation, the museum has a unique collection of paintings, sculptures and dolls. Situated in a sprawling complex close to the national highway, the museum is a treasure house for students of history as well as citizens who like to dabble in memories. A sound and light show takes the spectator to the distant shores of a colonial era marked by brave battles and martyrdom.

Nearly 250 paintings and sculptures are accommodated in the three floors of the main complex. These depict different phases of Kerala history right from the pre-historical age. The Neolithic man, who hunted and fished using crude implements, is the subject of one of the paintings. There are pictures depicting the Muvas who ruled the northern parts, the Cheras who held sway over the central part of Kerala and the rulers of Ay dynasty that ruled the southern portion of Kerala.

The Aryan immigration, the arrival of St. Thomas, Sankaracharya’s philosophical journey, emergencRe of Kulasekhara Alwar, landing of Vasco da Gama and the reign of Kunjali Marakkars are among the depictions. The evolution of Mamankam, Kalari and Kathakali are among the other interesting episodes depicted in pictures. Pictures on astronomy in ancient Kerala, Thunjath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan’s literary pursuits, Kunchan Nambiar’s presentation of Thullal Katha and Swathi Thirunal’s musical contribution are the other attractions at the museum.

A separate gallery of paintings and sculptures represents various phases of traditional and modern Indian art. Traditional mural art, Thanjavur painting, ‘patachitras from Orissa’ and Ravi Varma’s paintings adorn the gallery.

There are reproductions of paintings of world masters at the Centre for Visual Arts. A library, gallery of miniatures and a dolls museum are the other attractions of the Centre.

More than 50,000 people visit the museum every year, according to R.B. Nayar, managing trustee of the foundation.

The late Madhavan Nayar, a connoisseur of art and culture, said in one of his works: “In the museum an attempt has been made not only to present a procession of kings and conquerors but also glimpses of the rise and fall of empires and the story of how Keralam became one of the oldest melting pots of religions and culture… The emergence of a peculiar amalgam of different cultures is the notable characteristic of Keralam’s history and life.” The museum is perhaps a standing testimony to the vision of the founder.

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