Tiruvannamalai history research centre to be set up

The district has plenty of evidences of historic and prehistoric periods, say enthusiasts

Archaeological and cultural history enthusiasts based in Tiruvannamalai district have decided to launch a society to carry out research on local history of the place.

At a meeting held here on Sunday they resolved to name the Society as ‘Tiruvannamalai Mavatta Varalatru Aaivu Naduvam’ (Tiruvannamalai District History Research Centre). The meeting elected T.M.Prakash as its president and S. Balamurugan as its secretary. Professors of Tiruvannamalai Government Arts College V.Nedunchezhiyan and Sthanislas would be its vice presidents.

Explaining the role of the proposed society, Mr. Balamurugan said Tiruvannamalai is a district with plenty of archaeological evidence of even prehistoric periods. The place is rich with folklore and cultural practices that need observation, research and contextualisation. Several members are working in this domain. “We want to bring them all together and launch the society. The society will organise seminars in which experts would be shedding light on subjects concerning us. We plan to carry out heritage walks in places of historical importance,” he said.

Another aim in organising such a society is to make available historical knowledge of the place to the next generation by creating awareness and engaging students in the missions.

The society would also press the government to set up a museum in Tiruvannamalai to preserve objects found and excavated in Tiruvannamalai district, he said.

The meeting also resolved to produce a documentary film on Chengam Hero Stones, bring out books on archaeology and history.