The Sakthan Thampuran Museum, which showcases the historical reminiscence of a bygone era, is all set to get a facelift.
The Minister for Museums Kadannappally Ramachandransaid that the government will take urgent steps to renovate heritage and archaeological museums in Thrissur, including the Sakthan Thampuran Museum.
With the announcement, the Sakthan museum, which was almost in an abandoned state, is preparing for a new lease of life.
The government took over the Sakthan Thampuran Palace, which was the guest house of the erstwhile Cochin Kingdom, in 1996. It was declared as a museum in 2005.
15 galleries
It has as many as 15 galleries, tombs, sacred grove and many other historically important structures. There is a butterfly park, medicinal park, megalithic park, heritage park and children’s park in the six-acre compound.
However, the parks, which were renovated last in 2005, are in dilapidated state. There no flowers or butterflies in the parks.
The tress and medicinal plants had dried away long back without proper maintenance.
The historical monuments are also in a neglected state.
Basic amenities
There are no basic amenities for the visitors. The children’s park is also in a pathetic condition. History students are the main visitors to the museum.
Shortage of staff is the major hurdle to maintain the museum, according to the workers.
'However, the history and archaeology enthusiasts are pinning hope on the Minister’s announcement.
