To showcase the rich culture and urban canvas of the ethnic community settlements that has enriched Mattanchery over the decades, the Department of Tourism has proposed to set up a Museum of Cultural Mosaic here soon.
The Museum, which will showcase the history and culture of the new and old settlements of one of the country’s premier trading hubs, will be set up at Mattanchery.
According to architect N Ramaswamy, an expert in heritage architecture and one of the persons behind the project, a traditional house or building belonging to each community will be identified to bring out the salient features of each community. The old house will then be converted into a museum where audio visual presentations of the communities, their past way of life and the present will be showcased on a wider canvas.
Thirteen such settlements living in the heart of Mattanchery have been idenfitified for the project. They include Gujaratis, Jains, Kutchi Memoms, Jews, Konkanis, Tamil Brahmins, Kudumbis, Anglo-Indian community, Vaishyas, Vannars, Christians, Muslims and Pathans, said officials with the Tourism Department.
The society belonging to the specific community will manage the specific ‘museum’. The project, once executed, will also serve as a major means of livelihood to the people of the community. For example, the Kutchi Memoms who are famous for their biriyanis can market it to tourists and make a living. The revenue gained from the museum and other tourism interests can be used further to maintain the heritage of the specific community,” Ramaswamy said.
KITCO has been entrusted with the execution of the project and the stipulated time limit is 12 months. The project is claimed to be a first initiative to showcase the cultural harmony of several communities in a small space.
“Currently, the public is only aware of a Jew Synagogue, the Dutch Palace or the St Francis Church which are frequently visited by tourists the year round. But, if this plan works out, tourists, both domestic and foreigners, will be able to relish and experience the rich and vibrant culture of Mattanchery.
Tourists can stay back for two days and get a feel of the culture by partaking of the variety of cuisine and join in the cultural activities that are unique to the community,” tourism officials said.