Museums are repositories of knowledge, says historian

Retired history professor S.S. Vani has said that museums serve as repositories of knowledge and help people understand history, culture and heritage through preserved artefacts.

He was delivering a special lecture at a programme organised as part of International Museum Day at the Government Museum in Kalaburagi on Monday.

The event was jointly organised by the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Kalaburagi, INTACH Kalaburagi Chapter and Vishwanath Reddy Mudnal Degree and Postgraduate College.

Mr. Vani said that museums of different kinds, including scientific, technical, traditional and folk museums, preserve artefacts related to their respective fields and pass on knowledge to future generations.

Referring to museums in London, he said that many artefacts displayed there have been taken from various parts of India during the British rule and these collections reflect India’s rich heritage rather than British culture.

Deputy Director of Tourism Baby Mogera inaugurated the programme by watering a sapling.

She said that India possesses a rich cultural heritage and people should visit museums to understand the country’s glorious past through preserved artefacts and historical exhibits.

Tourist destinations too symbolise the nation’s heritage and historical grandeur, she added.

Assistant Director of the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage Rajaram B.C., in his introductory address, said that the Kalaburagi Museum was established in 1964 and has gradually built a large collection of antiquities over the years.

He said that the museum houses more than 700 artefacts dating from the prehistoric period to the 18th century. It has been kept open for the benefit of the public, students, researchers and heritage enthusiasts.

Senior artist Narayan Joshi, vice-principal Nagesh Madivala, history professor of Jyoti, INTACH office-bearers and others were present.