Is Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum worth visiting in Tamil Nadu?
In this article here, I have shared our experience from my perspective and my family’s perspective during our visit to Chennai’s DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum.
Dakshinachitra is a very popular heritage museum site in South India that exhibits art and architectural styles of South India.
- It speaks about the use of ancient architectural styles and the use of ancient household utilities as well. Basically, you get to see the interior and exterior qualities of South India’s history.
- This museum’s master plan was developed by architect Laurie Baker. He gifted this master plan to tamilnadu government because of his interest in rural architectural design. He was a very influential architect widely known for his low-cost sustainable and culturally sensitive design works.
- Architect Laurie Baker is a British-Indian architect whose notable work can be found in some of the architectural works from Kerala. His philosophy is ‘small is beautiful,’ giving much importance to cultural aspects of a place.
- Now this is something that has been a part of my personality as well. I love the same concept. The design that has evolved out of cultural influence plays a major role in a sustainable approach.
What is so unique about the DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum?
The most unique thing about this museum is that they have created the living conditions, or say lifestyles, of the past. Dakshinachitra was built by demolishing the structures from the original site and transporting them to this heritage museum site and reconstructing them here as they are. where you can actually walk in and around each housing unit, touch and feel the things, smell it and feel it etc. This aligns with the definition of a living museum.
Who executed the work in the DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum?
Benny Kuriakose is the one who practiced under Architect Laurie Baker and took up the execution of the Dakshinchitra museum.
What is DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum?
DakshinaChitra, which translates to “a picture of the south,” is a heritage village that showcases the lifestyle of South Indians according to their respective states. This is reflected in the region’s architecture as well as the living conditions and habits of its inhabitants.
What is special about the Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum?
Here, you can observe the various housing styles that have developed over time, influenced by cultural and traditional factors of the natives.
The vernacular style architecture and material, with its use of earthy elements, is not only pleasing to the eyes but also offers a soothing aroma. When combined with various natural elements such as fire, water, and air, it becomes therapeutic and enhances a profound sense of well-being, both physically and mentally.
You can observe how our South Indian ancestors from various regions invented items and utilized them, promoting and passing down the authentic essence of a healthy lifestyle for future generations.
The origins of this museum can be linked to the open-air museums found in Europe, the United States, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
The architectural styles and the amenities found in a typical home are truly fascinating, evoking a sense of tranquility and peace within. The furniture from earlier times, the meticulous decoration of corners, the color schemes, and the wooden fixtures in the kitchen, along with cooking tools made from naturally sourced materials like clay pots, iron, and stone cookware, are remarkable subjects that will continue to captivate people for generations to come, encouraging them to embrace this way of living.
What are the state-wise collections observed within the Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum?
First.
Tamil Nadu section:
You get to see,
- Tamil Nadu Merchant House
- Brahmin House
- Silk Weavers House
- Agricultural House
- Potter’s House
The Tamil Nadu section highlights the lifestyles of past merchants, Brahmins, silk weavers, farmers, and potters.
Second.
Andhra Pradesh section:
You get to see,
- Coastal Andhra House
- Ikat House
The Ikat weaver’s house and coastal Andhra house are exhibited in the Andhra Pradesh section.
Third.
Karnataka section:
You get to see,
- The Chikamagalur House
- Ilkal Weavers House
The Ilkal weavers house and a house from Chikamagalur are on display in the Karnataka section.
Fourth.
Kerala section:
You get to see,
- Syrian Christian House
- Calicut House
- Hindu Trivandrum House
- Granary
In the Kerala section, the Syrian Christian house is notable for its unique design, featuring an entrance that opens directly into the granary. Additionally, there is the Hindu house, primarily constructed from jackfruit wood and palmyra, along with the Calicut house, which showcases the architectural style of homes in northern Kerala.
What collections are seen inside this museum?
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What programs do you get to see in the Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum?
- The museum serves as a hub for the vibrant traditions of art, folk performing arts, and crafts, established to safeguard and promote the heritage and culture of South India.
- Special programs showcase dances, necklace crafting, basket weaving, and puppet performances.
- Additionally, the museum conducts workshops aimed at training individuals in traditional crafts like indigo dyeing.
- Potters who receive training at the center are awarded a certificate of their proficiency by the regional office of the Department of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
- Regular events in the spacious amphitheater include classical dances such as Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Kuchipudi, along with other music concerts.
Where is this Dakshinachitra museum located?
It is located in Muthukadu, on the East Coast Road of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. One of the most peaceful destinations in India. This site is spread across 10 acres of land, which will make it a bit tiring to cover the entire site visit in a day. way more tedious if you are traveling as a family with kids or elderly people.
Who all can enjoy this heritage museum?
This place can be the most loved destination for architects, artists, conservationists, handicraft artists, artisans from varied sectors, designers, and interior designers. Kids of the age group who have a basic understanding of village lifestyles can enjoy it very well too. Old age group people will find themselves being taken back into the old age era. Rest is individual choice and opinions.
I and my daughter were very fascinated to see the old lifestyles, as we come from a totally urban background. My husband comes from a rural background and got to know more insights about things that happened even before his birth.
What could be some tips for your walk-in to DakshinaChitra sightseeing?
- Carry water and juice or whatever that can keep you from dehydration.
- Sun glasses, Caps or summer hats for self and kids.
- Avoid visiting during the summertime if possible.
- Carry an umbrella whether it is sunny or rainy.
- Wear sports shoes for a long walk that can keep your feet from soreness.
- Wear light clothing that lets you and your kids breathe comfortably.
- Limiting things inside handbags will be very helpful.
- Carrying an extra shopping bag could be helpful if you want to shop for things at the market.
- Support local artisans from this place. You will feel really good after buying and raising support for people over here.
- Though there is a canteen observed inside, we weren’t satisfied to eat anything from there. So carrying some little munchies can be helpful. Leave as early in the morning so as to finish covering the entire site visit in a day.
