 Puducherry, also known as Pondicherry, in addition to being a holiday destination in India for the visitors from all over the country as well as abroad, is a typical historical state. Having its own Vedic culture, Puducherry was once known as Vedapuri. Puducherry has a rich cultural history and to venerate and sustain the historical objects that showcase its background, a couple of museums were established in the homes of yesteryears' royal people. The mementos in these museums clearly talk about the trade with the Roman Empire in early centuries that prevailed in the region of Puducherry. This trade continued till the pre Christian age. Also displayed in these museums are several means of transport that were used in the ancient colonial era in Puducherry.
Puducherry Museum  The Puducherry Museum is situated in the building that was previously known as the Law Building along the Saint Louis Street in Pondicherry. This museum is known to be a depository of the rare collection of objects that belong to the Pallava and Chola dynasties and the relics excavated from Arikamedu. Relics from Arikamedu will illustrate the interaction of the people of Arikamedu with the Romans in the early centuries. Some of the authentic ancient items preserved in this museum are the fossilized trunks of the age old trees, various statues made on stone, the earlier means of transport like the pousse-pousse (a kind of rickshaw), precious stones and glass beads belonging to the pre-Christian age and bronze statues of Gods and Goddesses. This museum also exhibits a rare collection of coins and handicrafts, furniture belonging to the French period, fossils and shells.
Jawahar Toy Museum Jawahar Toy Museum is a doll's house with a rare collection of toys, decorated dolls, puppets and playthings. This collection is representative of the culture of the region and the country. More specifically, Jawahar Toy Museum has a collection of about 120 dolls.  These dolls represent the different states of India like Punjab, Bengal, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat etc. These dolls are therefore dressed in traditional attire. This museum is known to have one of the rarest and the most artistic displays of the country. A noteworthy aspect of this museum is a fairyland with the puppet doll of Lord Ganesha presiding over the proceedings of the fairyland. Jawahar Toy Museum intimates the children visiting this museum with the concept of unity in diversity.
Bharathiar Memorial Museum cum Research Centre The Bharathiar Memorial Museum cum Research Centre is a storehouse of manuscripts, letters and photographs belonging to late Tamil poet-patriot Subramanya Bharathi, commonly known as Bharathiyar. This museum was established in the memory of Subramanya Bharathi. The French atmosphere brought out the best in Bharathi and some of his finest patriotic and romantic compositions were then born. Today, Bharathi's home also known as Bharathi Museum is considered to be a place of pilgrimage for the Tamil people. Bharathidasan Museum  The Bharathidasan Museum used to be the home of the well-celebrated poet and playwright, Kanakasubburatnam (1891 - 1960). He was more popular as Bharathidasan, which implies the disciple of Bharathi. He was a fervent follower of Subramanya Bharathi and his works were equally praiseworthy as those of Bharathi. He made his mark in writing scripts for films as well. Some of them were about the rights of women and the Dravidian culture, which had earned accolades.
Ananda Ranga Pillai Museum Ananda Ranga Pillai was the mansion of Dupleix, the governor of Pondicherry during the French rule. The diaries of Pillai are nothing less than a depot of information on the 18th century French India. His mansion falls into the list of one of the oldest buildings on the west side that was then the "natives' quarters". Therefore, the architecture is a flawless blend of French and Indian styles. It was a well furnished house with plush ambience and lavish touch, thus offering a look around the yester era and bygone lifestyle culture. Presently, one has to attain special permission to visit the mansion. |
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Museums of Puducherry
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