Migration of people from Central Travancore to Malabar began in the 1920s, but really picked up in the 1940s.
At first, it was small groups of people who moved to the high ranges in search of better lands to farm. Over time, their tribe increased. Those migrating belonged to all religions and castes.
Life in the new territories was hard. They had to prepare the land for farming, sleep on treetops to protect themselves from wild animals, and battle disease and death. Their hard work paid off, and they became well off, even prosperous. More than that, their migration shaped social and political life of the region in various ways.
A museum that retraces the journey of the migrants, their trials, and tribulations is all set to come up at Chempanthotty in Kannur district.
The migration museum is a novel concept in the State. Being set up by the State Culture Department, it will be implemented through the Department of Archaeology.
Called the Mar Sebastian Valloppilly Memorial Migration Museum, it will come up at Chempanthotty in Sreekandapuram on one acre of land which has been given on lease by St. George Church, Chempanthotty, under the Thalassery diocese of Syro-Malabar Church for the first phase of the museum.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed in this regard, G. Prem Kumar, Director, Department of Archaeology, said.
The State government has set aside Rs.1 crore for the first phase, which comprises a museum hall, reception centre, and a multipurpose theatre. The details of the nature of exhibits highlighting the migration are under discussion and will be finalised in consultation with experts. A 19-member advisory committee has been set up by the government in this connection.
A seminar was also held by the State government in Kannur in which nearly 300 people took part and gave their inputs on the proposed museum.
A Rs.1-crore tender will be called immediately for constructing the museum building, the plan for which has been drawn up by the Kozhikode-based architect R.K. Remesh, Mr. Prem Kumar said. The construction is expected to begin soon.
Minister for Culture K.C. Joseph has promised another Rs.1 crore for the project.
Plans are on to display the various types of houses built by the migrants over the years as part of the project, a source said. The various equipments used by them on farms and in households, particularly in the kitchen, will be displayed. The dresses worn by them, their jewellery, and weapons all will help people understand the life of migrants back then. Counters that sold food associated with the migrants such as ‘avalose,’ ‘achappam,’ and tapioca have also been planned, the source said.
