A museum of historical artefacts has come up on the campus of Khallikote Autonomous College in the city.
Speaking to The Hindu , college principal Sartanjali Bohidar said it was an effort to enhance the interest among students of all streams in our history.
“The museum is in its nascent state,” she said. “If the institution becomes a deemed university, the museum would surely become its pride,” she added.
There is a demand that the more than 135-year-old institution of South Odisha be made a deemed university.
The museum is located in the library building. The History Department is managing and maintaining it. At present, it has artefacts collected from the Dharmasala region of Jajpur district. Head of the Department of History S.S. Samal donated his collection of ancient items to the museum.
The artefacts included things from the 8th century, coins of the 19th century British era as well as old coins that were not in use now.
Coins of some nations were also showcased.
Efforts are under way to display old paintings, ancient palm leaf manuscripts, metal and earthen pots with historical importance, and tribal weapons.
“We want our students to take an active role in improving the museum. We have asked them to collect items of historical importance found in their respective areas,” the principal said. This would increase the practical interest among students of all streams, she added.
Berhampur has no proper museum till date. The one being managed by the State Culture Department exists only for name sake. Museums do exist on campuses of Berhampur University, Utkal University, and Sambalpur University. But till date, no college in South Odisha has a museum of its own.
Ms. Bohidar said the museum was expected to be formally inaugurated on December 30.
“Though it will not be open for the general public, there are plans to allow group tours of school students of the city,” she added.
