Conservation and restoration of archaeological treasures has been a neglected area so far. However, one cheery side of bifurcation is that it has brought to surface certain dormant issues that did not get the attention they deserved.
Archaeology enthusiasts will soon have a number of options where they can slake their thirst for historic spots. Funds to the tune of Rs. 100 crore were allocated to Andhra Pradesh (both Telangana and Seemandhra together) under the 13 Finance Commission (2011 - 2015) to take up conservation and restoration works on 249 projects.
In Krishna district, as many as nine projects will get a facelift at an estimated cost of Rs. 6.37 crore. They include: construction works at Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy temple at Avanigadda (Rs. 35.55 lakh); Siva temple at Aluru (Rs. 18 lakh); Kondapalli Fort (Rs. 66 lakh); renovation of Azendla Sri Kotaiah Swamy Sahita Bhaktanjaneya Temple in Nandigama (Rs. 18 lakh); Srikakuleswara temple in Ghantasala mandal (Rs. 5 lakh); protected site of Puligadda pumping station in Avanigadda mandal (Rs. 50 lakh); Sri Sukha Syamalamba Sametha Sri Ramalingeswra Swamyvari Devasthanam at Veerulapadu (Rs. 15 lakh) and establishment of a coastal museum on the premises of the Victoria Jubilee Museum in Vijayawada (Rs. 3.8 crore) along with repair and renovation of the existing museum complex (Rs. 50 lakh).
All eyes are on Victoria Museum, which will soon have on its premises a coastal museum. “The tender process is over, and we propose to start works in a fortnight,” said Umamaheswara Rao of the archaeological wing in the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC).
A treasure troveThe collection in the museum includes ancient articles ranging from pre-historic tools, pottery, stone and copper plates, gold and silver coins, arms and armoury, manuscripts, stone-cut writings, inscriptions and objects obtained during excavations at historical sites.
The museum is worth a visit for archaeology buffs, as it is a treasure trove of ancient sculptures, idols, inscriptions, paintings, cutlery and weapons.
It also has pre-historic metal works and Neolithic implements. A beautifully sculpted idol of Lord Siva, believed to be of the 4th or 5th century, is a major attraction at the museum.
The plan is to build two slightly more spacious replicas of the existing structure and equip them with all the frills of a modern museum.
Established in 1887, every object in the museum has a story to narrate. The structure served as a technical institution for the Krishna Zilla Parishad authorities before it was taken over by the Archeological Department in 1969 and transformed into a full-fledged museum.
