A 13-member media delegation from Jammu and Kashmir, organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar, visited the Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum at Muttukadu, Tamil Nadu, as part of a press tour being conducted from September 13 to 19.
The visit offered the media delegation an opportunity to experience and understand the rich cultural traditions vernacular architecture and diverse heritage of South India.
During the visit the delegation was introduced to the museum and its heritage structures by curator Lakuma Chebrolu. She provided detailed information about the various traditional homes and architectural styles preserved at the museum.
Major attractions of Dakshina Chitra is its collection of reconstructed historical heritage homes representing the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. These traditional houses were carefully dismantled and reconstructed on-site by regional artisans and traditional master builders, commonly known as Stapathis.
The museum provided the visiting media persons with a unique cultural immersion by recreating traditional streetscapes and living environments.
The reconstructed settlements offer visitors a direct glimpse into the vernacular architecture, lifestyles and historical domestic spaces of different South Indian communities.
The delegation also witnessed the museum’s efforts to preserve and promote South India’s performing arts and traditional crafts. The cultural centre frequently hosts regional folk dances, music and interactive cultural performances, allowing visitors to experience the living traditions of the region.
Live demonstrations of indigenous South Indian crafts, including pottery, weaving and glassblowing, were another important feature of the visit. Visitors can not only observe and participate in some of these traditional activities but can also purchase regional handicrafts and products.
The visit concluded with an address by Shri Sharath Nambiyar, Director of Dakshina Chitra, who gave an overview of the museum, its history and its role in preserving India’s cultural heritage. He highlighted the support extended by the Government, particularly the Ministry of Culture, which provided land for the institution and continues to extend assistance from time to time.
The visit gave the PIB Srinagar media delegation a valuable opportunity to understand how traditional architecture, indigenous crafts and performing arts are being preserved and presented to contemporary audiences.
The interaction also highlighted the importance of cultural institutions such as DakshinaChitra in safeguarding India’s diverse regional heritage for future generations.
