Kundapur: Awe-inspiring Museum of Ancient Things at Bhandarkars College

Pics: Aishwarya Beejadi
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Feb 4: The efforts put in by the lecturers of political science department, students, and the management of Bhandarkars College have fructified in the form of the awe-inspiring museum of ancient things at the college premises here. A visitor can find artefacts belonging to the Stone Age, Vijayanagara Empire, and a unique idol of Lord Ganapti from the 13th century AD. The collection of stone inscriptions, coins including those used during the rule of East India Company, weapons made of stone, wooden architecture, teeth of different animals, unravel before you the untold stories of the bygone eras.

A stone inscription that dates back to the period of Ganapa Odeya, who ruled Mangalore state under Vijayanagara Empire, a centuries-old lotus pedestal recovered from Kody village near here, archaeological items recovered from Buddhanajeddu, ancient remnants found from Kamalashile village, a stone inscription found from Rattady village, are part of the wonderful collection here. The unique ‘Mastikallu’ which give unique messages and rare currency notes from different countries can also be found in this beautiful museum.

The important point to be noted here, is that the museum has been built with the united efforts of lecturers and students, who took pains to personally scout for rear things and collected them. They have not kept mum after adding them to the museum’s collection. They have also been conducting research on individual items. This museum has the potential to open up a treasure of information for historians.

Credit for inspiring the students to search for rear things and bring them to the college, and giving concrete shape to the concept of the museum goes to head of the department of political science, Prof G M Udayakumar. He has drawn support from Prof Gopal, and administrative officer of Manipal Academy of General Education, Dr H Shantaram. The efforts have also drawn considerable inspiration from former principal, U S Aithal, and present principal of the college, Prof Doma Chandrashekhar.

This museum has taken shape, backed by efforts spread over the last ten to 15 years. The general public can visit the museum, and also donate any ancient things or artefacts they have with them. Prof Udayakumar notes that many ancient remnants like Mastikallu are neglected by the people and used as boundary markers, steps, or washing stones. He has requested the people to hand over the rare things that they might come across to the college, so that they can become a part of the museum and relate stories of the bygone period to the future generations.