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Napier Museum: A Relic in Ruin?
17 Aug
Summary
- Napier Museum building shows signs of severe decay and neglect.
- Ancient artifacts lack modern preservation, leading to deterioration.
- Despite plans, funding for essential museum repairs remains elusive.
The Napier Museum in Thiruvananthapuram, a repository of ancient art, is reportedly in a dilapidated state. Reports indicate significant wear on its stone walls, wooden roof rafters, and tiles. The building has not been painted in a considerable period, and visible cracks mar the walls, while wooden windows appear weathered and unvarnished.
Inside, while precious artifacts such as bronze, ivory, and stone idols, along with historical coins, are housed in glass displays, visitors feel the museum lacks modernization seen in international institutions. Specific items, like the sword of Velu Thampi Dalawa, are displayed without adequate preservation measures, showing signs of atmospheric exposure and loss of sheen. Delicate textiles are also reportedly developing holes.
A foreign tourist noted the random collection of dusty relics with outdated displays and poor descriptions. Established in 1880, the museum struggles with preservation challenges. An official mentioned that attempts to secure central government grants-in-aid have been unsuccessful, despite a detailed project report for maintenance and preservation being prepared.
