Sir Arthur Cotton Museum, situated in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, was established in the fond memory of the great engineer Sir Arthur Cotton. The museum exhibits various models which depict the construction of the mighty barrage across Godavari River by this British irrigation engineer. He was also known as Cotton Dora and had earned popularity for his efforts for making Godavari River a fertile water resource. He was also the Delta Architect of Godavari District. He is still remembered for his excellent irrigation engineering works among which the prominent one includes the Dowleswaram Barrage and Anicut System.
Exhibits of Sir Arthur Cotton Museum
Established in the year 1998, the museum is set in the building which was formerly occupied by the Executive Engineer, Godavari Head Works Division Dowleswaram. The museum was established with the aim of enlightening people about the creation of the barrage which turned the lands in East and West Godavari districts fertile. It also narrates the advanced engineering skills applied in the construction of the present Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage. Sir Arthur Cotton Museum exhibits various models collected from various projects and locations which explains the various procedures and equipments used for irrigation purposes. It also displays the old model of the barrage including falling shutters of 3 feet and plough machines, used originally to lift the shutters of the barrage and rail track.
The museum has preserved the machineries used during the time of creating the old barrage. Among the exhibits of the museum is a model drawing portraying 4 arms of the new barrage along with 3 scour sluices and 3 head sluices.
Other Features of Sir Arthur Cotton Museum
At the entrance of the museum stands a statue of Sir Arthur Cotton riding a horse. An exquisite fountain known as `jalatarali` also adorns the entrance of the place. The museum is surrounded by pleasant natural beauty comprising lush green lawns and beautiful garden with croton plants, ornamental plants and other blossoms. A nominal amount is charged for the entry and photography in the museum. Despite of the nominal charges, Sir Arthur Cotton Museum remits an average amount of Rs. 3,000 every month to the Government of India.
Sir Arthur Cotton Museum owns the fame of being the only civil engineering museum that has been established and maintained in the state. The museum not only invites the visitors from the state but also from distant regions across the globe. It also forms an important part of educational tours, especially for engineering students. The museum beautifully represents some of the excellent technologies of ancient era which are in vogue in the contemporary times too.
