Marakkar museum in Kozhikode to reopen

After a 10-month-long restoration project, the Kunjali Marakkar memorial museum at Iringal in Vadakara will be reopened for visitors on October 8.

Minister for Culture K.C. Joseph will inaugurate the ceremony, which will be attended by the Union Minister of State for Home Mullappally Ramachandran along with other people’s representatives from the district.

The restoration work on the monument, now under the control of the Archaeology Department, was completed without making any alteration on the existing structure. The reopening was delayed as the Archaeology Department officials found some faults with the works carried out by the assigned contractor.

“The contractor was called back to clear the faults,” said an officer from the Archaeology Department. “Even after the restoration work, the building would not be able to withstand heavy rain,” he said.

The government altogether sanctioned Rs.10.50 crore for the restoration project of which Rs.6.5 crore has been spent. According to sources, the remaining amount would be utilised for the beautification of the surroundings and the construction of a drainage system.

After the reopening, arrangements would also be taken by the department to bring more exhibits to this historically important museum. Department sources said the artifacts recently excavated from various parts of Malabar would be brought to the museum.

At present, the small museum is having only a few exhibits comprising swords and cannon balls. There have been demands for setting up a new drinking water facility at the location as the water source at the Marakkar memorial compound is reported to be contaminated. The visiting charges are also likely to be hiked to Rs. 5 per person. Students will be charged Rs. 2. As per the latest order from the Archaeology department, additional charges too will be applicable for photography and videography.