Archaeology enthusiasts can hope to see rare photographs of freedom fighter and designer of the tri-colour Pingali Venkayya at the Victoria Museum on Bandar Road here.
These photographs will be in addition to an array of collection including ancient articles preserved in the museum, according to officials.
The Archaeology and Museums Department has chalked out action plans to get photographs for displaying them in the museum which is under renovation. “We are in touch with the family members of the freedom fighter at Sattenapalle to get the photographs,” Assistant Director of Archaeology and Museums Department S. Bangaraiah said.
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He said the photos included a picture dated March 31, 1921, in which Mr. Venkayya was seen walking with Mahatma Gandhi during the latter’s visit to the city during freedom struggle.
“Restoration works of the museum are going on at a brisk pace.
We are planning to make it as one of the major attractions in the city.
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As part of efforts, we are requesting Venkayya’s family to hand over the photographs to preserve them in the museum,” Mr. Bangaraiah said.
Bronze sculptures, idols, rare coins belonging to different eras, copper plate inscriptions, cutlery, early historic cultural material, prehistoric stone tools, metal works, bidri and ceramic ware that are presently housed in the museum were shifted to the arms and weapons gallery to pave way for renovation works taken up at a cost of over Rs. 50 lakh granted under the 13th Finance Commission, another official said.
The museum was constructed in 1887 by Roberts Sewell in commemoration of Golden Jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria’s coronation, he said adding the department was planning to regain the glory of decades-old structure.