Boost to a heritage museum

"STEP back into a bygone era, come saunter down ancient village by-lanes and village squares and succumb'' - so reads the enticing brochure, but nothing quite prepares one for the reality of Dakshinachitra, Madras Craft Foundation's unique heritage museum of South India.

Situated some 30 kms from Chennai and spread over 10 acres, Dakshinachitra's meandering stone pathways lead to typically reconstructed 18th and 19th century dwellings of South Indian artisans, each interior evoking the smells and sounds of a rich heritage. Out in the village square, the rhythmic steps of brilliantly costumed folk dancers beckon the visitors.

Alternatively, one could saunter into the cool interiors of a stunning 19th century Syrian Christian dwelling or a 200-year old Nair home, savouring every architecture, craft and lifestyle detail, such as the traditional well inside the house and the large granary. Dakshinachitra reflects a wealth of historical and social aspects of South Indian culture, both past and present through the reconstruction at the centre of dismantled authentic 18th and 19th century dwellings, through living crafts set in the context of these homes, through special exhibitions, workshops and performances of folk arts and demonstration of crafts of various regions as well as through its archives and Crafts Shop. Periodic demonstrations of folk theatre and development programmes are held at the heritage centre which is also actively involved in the promotion of culture tourism of the southern states. Add to all this the genuine cuisine from the south and one has a complete experience of South Indian culture- past, present - and hopefully the future as well.

The Madras Craft Foundation's outreach programmes at Dakshinachitra, free to all corporation and village schools currently cover over 15,000 children. The programes help the urban child to understand one's culture. Dakshinachitra is also unique in that it is one of India's very few non-governmental heritage museums. It has truly been shaped by sustained community involvement, the work of volunteers and generous contributions from government, the private sector and the public.

On March 5, at a function held at Dakshinachitra, Mr. Roderic Richards, Senior Country Executive, American Express Bank, presented a cheque for Rs. 10 lakh to the centre. Emphasising the active role played by the American Express Foundation in supporting the heritage of India, Mr. Richards expressed satisfaction at being part of the effort to provide economic independence to craft communities. The Madras Craft Foundation President, Deborah Thiagarajan, said that the donation by American Express "tells us that culture has a social and psychological value (and that) it is also important for the country economically, for revenue generation and culture tourism."

In its vision to further develop Dakshinachitra particularly with the construction of traditional dwellings from Andhra and Karnataka, a major millennium fund-raising event is being held at the centre on March 25. The millennium programme will feature classical music by Sri Ram Parasuram and Anooradha, performance by ``Chennai Girl'' Anooradha's troupe as well fusion music by Sriram, Narayan and Vishwarnath entitled "Three Brothers and A Violin"'.

PUSHPA CHARI

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