SHIMOGA: On Monday night, a middle-aged man broke into Kavimane, the museum dedicated to Rashtrakavi Kuvempu at Kuppalli, and made away with gold medals, Padma awards and `1,000 in cash. But the things he left untouched — the iconic writer’s works, his clothes, and his table and chair to name a few — are probably of more value to literature lovers.
Kuppalli, where Kuvempu was born, is a tiny village in Tirthahalli that came to life in the Rashtrakavi’s works. Its scenic beauty, its residents and even the cutlery they used found a place in Kuvempu’s works.
Realising Kuppalli’s place in Kannada literature, the state government had given the responsibility of maintaining the memorial to Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Pratisthana.
Kavimane is a three-storeyed house where the poet spent his childhood. The house was renovated without disturbing the original structure and converted into a museum.
Locals call it ‘Thotti Mane’ as it has an open courtyard in the centre resembling a thotti (pond). The memorial sees an annual footfall of about one lakh.
Kavimane also has Hemangana — a hall that can accommodate about 60 people and has audio-visual equipment for organising seminars and workshops. Visitors can also buy a collection of Kuvempu’s works for `3,500. Books on Kuvempu too are sold in Kuppalli.
Eleven people work round-the-clock to maintain the two memorials. The staff have to ensure that visitors don’t touch the exhibits.
Kadidal Prakash, secretary of the Pratisthana, told Express, “The museum is open to the general public from today (Wednesday). It was closed on Tuesday and we discussed ways to improve security. We plan to bring out a book on the occasion of Kuvempu’s birth anniversary (December 29).”
on display
● Medals and awards, including Jnanpith and Pampa
● Kuvempu’s literary works
● Some of the poet’s clothes and a pair of slippers
● The table and chair used by Kuvempu during his stay in Ramakrishna ashram, Mysuru
● Old family photographs and paintings of Kuvempu
● Marriage Mantap (made of wood)
● Traditional utensils used in Malnad area
● Photographs taken by Poornachandra Tejaswi, Kuvempu’s son
Museum Reopens, Probe Continues
Kavimane, the memorial and museum established in honour of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, was reopened on Wednesday, two days after it was burgled. Kavimane and Kavishaila (rock monument), both managed by the Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Pratisthana, were closed on Tuesday after the former was burgled on Monday night. Meanwhile, the investigation is in full swing. Superintendent of Police Ravi D Channannanavar said the team is optimistic and expects to nab the burglar in a day or two.