DEPARTMENT OF ART AND CULTURE

POLICY NOTE FOR THE YEAR

2013 - 2014

1. Department of Art and Culture

In order to have an integrated approach to

the development of arts and give a fillip to them, a
separate Department called the Department of
Art and Culture was formed in the year 1991 by
bringing the various art organisations and art
institutions that functioned under the various
departments namely the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai
Nataka Mandram under the Public Department,
Tamil Nadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu, Tamil Nadu
Jawahar Siruvar Mandram under the Tamil
Development Culture Department, Government
Music Training centres under the control of
Education Department, Government College of
Arts and Crafts and Government College of
Architecture and Sculpture under the control of
Directorate of Technical Education were brought
under one umbrella.
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1.1 The Department of Art and Culture is

effectively engaged in carrying out the task of
preserving, promoting the traditional arts of Tamil
Nadu, encouraging the artistes involved in such
arts, taking the traditional arts to the younger
generation by giving training in art forms, conduct
of cultural programmes for creating awareness,
conduct of functions to showcase our culture to
other states and foreigners, conferment of District
level and State level awards to artistes, providing
financial assistance to indigent artistes and
providing fine arts and performing arts education
to the students in the field of Music, Dance, Drama,
Folk arts, Painting and Sculpture.

1.2 Under the control of the Commissioner

of Art and Culture, 6 Regional Cultural Centres, 4
Government Music Colleges, 17 District
Government Music Schools, 2 Government
Colleges of Fine Arts, 1 Government College of
Architecture and Sculpture, 36 Jawahar Bal
Bhavans, District Art Societies in each District
headed by the District Collectors and Tamil Nadu
Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu are functioning. Further,
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the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram in

Chennai is also functioning to encourage the
artistes involved in fostering of Traditional Tamil
Arts. The Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board
is functioning separately for the economic
upliftment of Folk Artistes. The Commissioner of
Art and Culture is assisted by (2) Deputy
Directors, (6) Regional Assistant Directors, (1)
Accounts Officer, (1) Executive Officer and other
staff. Special sanction has been accorded for
Rs. 66.50 lakhs for construction of additional
building to the Directorate of Art and Culture
functioning in the second floor, Tamil Valarchi
Valaagam, Egmore, Chennai.

Regional Cultural Centres

1.3 Regional Cultural Centres are

functioning at Kancheepuram, Thanjavur, Salem,
Madurai, Tirunelveli and Tiruchirapalli for carrying
out the task of creating awareness among the
people about the rich cultural heritage of Tamil
Nadu. They implement the schemes of the
Department in Districts with proper co-ordination
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of District Art Societies and organising cultural

activities such as conferring District level awards
on artists, conducts art functions, encouraging the
artists involved in the classical arts and Traditional
arts of Tamil Nadu.

1.4 The Regional Cultural Centres function

under Assistant Directors. They implement the
schemes of the Government at District level in co-
ordination with the District Art Societies, the
District Music Schools, Jawahar Siruvar Mandrams
and Folk Artiste's Welfare Board. They also liaise
with Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Ovia Nunkalai
Kuzhu and South Zone Cultural Centre by
organizing and conducting several art festivals like
Vaigunda Ekadesi Vizha, Tamil Isai Vizha,
Karthigai Oli Vizha, Paavai Vizha, Saaral Vizha,
Sirkazhi Moovar Vizha, Kattabomman Birthday
Celebration, Aruvi Thiruvizha, Kumari Thiruvizha,
Sadaya Vizha, Azhither Vizha, Kodai Vizha and
Matha Nallinakka Vizha. They conduct various
cultural programmes and give training in arts.
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1.5 As per the announcement made in the

Assembly, the Government have accorded
sanction for Rs. 1.00 crore for construction of an
Art and Cultural complex for the Regional Culture
Centre at Salem. The Public Works Department is
taking necessary action for the construction.

District Art Societies

1.6 With a view to disseminate art forms in

Districts, their promotion and preservation, spot
out artistic talent at District level and provide
opportunities for their exposition, District Art
Societies were formed.

1.7 From the year 2002-2003, the

Government is implementing the scheme of giving
awards to 5 eminent artistes in each district
according to their age and eminence

Below 18 years of age - 'Kalai Ilamani'

Award

Between 19-35 years of age - 'Kalai Valarmani'

Award
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Between 36-50 years of age - 'Kalai Sudarmani'

Award

Between 51-60 years of age - 'Kalai Nanmani'

Award

For those above 60 years - 'Kalai Mudumani'

Award

1.8 This Department is implementing the

scheme of issuing identification cards to the
artistes in all the Districts from the year
2002-2003. The Identification Cards issued to the
artistes through the District Art Societies are
useful to the artistes to avail of financial assistance
from the Government, for getting priority in
cultural programmes organized by the
Government and to avail of travel fare concession.

1.9 The Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare

Board was started with a view to provide social
security and welfare schemes to the folk artistes.
It gives financial assistance to the folk artistes. So
far 29,112 folk artistes have become members of
the Board and a sum of Rs.93,29,867/- has been
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sanctioned towards providing various welfare

schemes to the folk artistes.

ART EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Music Educational Institutions

1.10 Tamil Isai reflects the ancient culture of

the Tamils. In order to carry Tamil Isai to the
younger generation, to encourage the young
talented artistes and to propagate Tamil Isai, the
Government Music Colleges and the Government
Music Schools have been established.

Government Music College, Chennai

1.11 Three-Year Diploma courses in Vocal,

Violin, Veena, Mridangam, Flute, Ghatam,
Kancheera, Morsingh, Nathaswaram, Thavil, Folk
arts, Bharathanatyam, Two-Year Post Diploma
Courses in Vocal, Music (Mudhukalai Isai
Kalaimani), Two-Year Diploma Course in
Nattuvangam and One-Year Diploma Course in
Music Teachers Training are offered in the
Government Music College at Chennai.
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With the financial assistance of National Film

Development Corporation (NFDC), the Tagore
Auditorium at the Government Music College
Campus, Chennai is being renovated as Multi-
Cultural Art House Cinema Theatre.

Government have sanctioned for

construction of additional class rooms at a cost of
Rs. 102.98 lakhs in Government Music College at
Chennai and the construction work of additional
class rooms and Kudil are under progress.

Government Music College, Madurai

1.12 Three-Year Diploma Courses in Vocal,

Veena, Violin, Mridangam, Flute, Nathaswaram,
Bharathanatyam, Folk Arts and One-Year Diploma
Course in Music Teachers Training are offered in
the Government Music College at Madurai.

Government Music College, Coimbatore

1.13 Three Year Diploma Courses in Vocal,

Violin, Veena, Bharathanatyam and One-Year
Diploma Course in Music Teachers Training are
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offered in the Government Music College at

Coimbatore.

In order to implement the announcement

made on the floor of the assembly in the year
2011-2012 that Buildings for the Government
Music College at Coimbatore would be constructed
at a cost of Rs.1.00 crore, the Government have
issued orders for a sum of Rs.90.91 lakhs based on
plan and estimates. A sum of Rs.30 lakhs have
been sanctioned in the year 2012-2013 for the
construction of building for the Government Music
College, Coimbatore at Malumichampatti for which
the District Administration has given enter upon
permission and the construction work is under
progress.

Government Music College, Thiruvaiyaru

1.14 Three-Year Diploma Courses in Vocal,

Violin, Veena, Mridangam, Bharathanatyam,
Nathaswaram, Thavil and Three-Year Degree
Course and Two Year Post Graduate Degree Course
in Vocal Music are offered in the Government
Music College at Thiruvaiyaru.
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1.15 In order to implement the

announcement made on the floor of the assembly
in the year 2011-2012, for construction of
additional buildings to the Government Music
College at Thiruvaiyaru at a cost of Rs.60.00 lakhs,
the Government have accorded administrative
sanction and financial sanction for the
construction of the building. A sum of Rs.56.60
lakhs have been sanctioned for the year
2012-2013 and the construction work is under
progress.

Evening Music College Centres

1.16 Two Evening Music College Centres are

functioning at Chennai and one at Madurai.
Two-Year Certificate Courses are offered in Vocal,
Veena and Violin in Chennai Thiyagarayanagar
Centre; Vocal, Veena, Violin and Mridangam in
Chennai Music College Campus Centre; Vocal,
Veena, Violin, Mridangam and Bharathanatyam
are offered in the Madurai Centre.
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Government District Music Schools

1.17 In order to promote and propagate

Tamil Isai (music) throughout Tamil Nadu and to
popularise music education, Government District
Music Schools were started in Tirunelveli, Trichy,
Tiruvarur, Salem, Pudukkottai, Villupuram,
Cuddalore, Perambalur, Thoothukudi, Karur,
Kancheepuram, Tiruvannamalai, Sivagangai,
Krishnagiri, Seerkazhi, Erode and
Ramanathapuram Districts. Three-Year Certificate
Courses in Vocal Music, Bharathanatyam,
Nathaswaram, Thavil, Thevaram, Violin and
Mridangam are offered in District Music Schools.

1.18 The announcement made in the

Assembly in the year 2012-2013 that the monthly
stipend provided to the students of District
Government Music Schools would be raised from
Rs.200/- to 400/- and the scheme has been
implemented. New uniform syllabus for diploma
courses in music colleges is being implemented.
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FINE ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai

1.19 Paintings and sculptures reflect the

rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. They
demonstrate the richness of our ancient culture to
the younger generation. Eminent artistes
constitute the alumni of the Government College
of Fine Arts, Chennai.

Four-Year Degree Courses in Industrial

Design in Ceramics, Industrial Design in Textile,
Visual Communication Design, Painting,
Sculpture, Print Making and Two-Year Post
Graduate Degree Courses in Painting, Visual
Communication Design, Industrial Design in
Ceramic, Industrial Design in Textile, Sculpture
are offered in this College. Syllabi of the courses
of this College are approved by the Madras
University.
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Government College of Fine Arts,

Kumbakonam

1.20 In this College, Four Year Degree

Courses in Visual Communication Design,
Painting, Sculpture and Two Year Post Graduate
Degree Courses in Painting, Sculpture and Visual
Communication Design are conducted. Syllabi of
the courses of this College are approved by the
Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli.

Government College of Architecture and

Sculpture, Mamallapuram

1.21 The G ove r n m e n t College of

Architecture and Sculpture is functioning at
Mamallapuram, a town renowned for exquisite
sculptures of the Pallava period. Four Year B.Tech
degree course in Traditional Architecture, B.F.A.
(Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Traditional Sculpture
and B.F.A in Traditional Drawing and Painting are
offered in this College. The Syllabi of the courses
of this College are approved by the Madras
University.
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Kalai Kaveri College of Fine Arts,

Tiruchirappalli

1.22 Kalai Kaveri College of Fine Arts in

Tiruchirappalli is an aided College for which grants
are being released through the Directorate of
Collegiate Education. The administration of this
College is regulated by the Department of Art and
Culture. This College conducts Five-Year
Integrated Degree Courses, Three-Year Degree
Courses and Two-Year Post Graduate Degree
Courses in Bharathanatyam, Vocal Music, Violin,
Veena and Mridangam.

TAMIL NADU EYAL ISAI NATAKA MANDRAM

1.23 Tamil Nadu Sangeet Nataka Sangam

was established by the Government of Tamil Nadu
in the year 1955 to achieve the objectives of the
Central Sangeet Natak Akademi at State level and
foster traditional Tamil Arts. It was renamed as
Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram in the year
1973. This organisation is implementing several
schemes for the benefit of artists from the grants
sanctioned by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
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Schemes of Cultural Activities

1.24 The activities of the Tamil Nadu Eyal

Isai Nataka Mandram include exchange of cultural
troupes between the States, sanctioning of
monthly financial assistance to the indigent
artistes, sanctioning of family maintenance grant
to the families of deceased famous artistes,
encouraging talented budding artistes by
providing opportunities for their performances
through various cultural organizations of Tamil
Nadu, conferring “Kalaimamani” awards to the
artistes for their yeomen service to the enrichment
of performing arts, conferment of All India Level
Awards for the artistes in the name of “Bharathi”,
“M.S.Subbulakshmi” and “Balasaraswathi”,
extending grants to professional drama troupes
for production and staging of Tamil dramas
depicting our ancient culture and heritage,
sanctioning grants for publication of rare books in
the field of art and culture, releasing of grants to
voluntary cultural organizations towards the
commemorative festival of savants, conducting
various cultural festivals for the benefit of the
artistes, documentation of rare forms of traditional
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arts to enable the future generation to know about

them, recording and preserving of music
programmes of the senior artistes and
encouraging research on our folk arts and
traditional classical fine arts.

Conferment of Kalaimamani Award

1.25 With a view to felicitating the famous

artistes who are serving in a commendable
manner in the field of performing arts, the Tamil
Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram is conferring
“Kalaimamani” Awards. So far 1594 artistes have
been honoured as detailed below.
S.No. Field Number
1. Eyal 79
2. Isai 483
3. Natyam 151
4. Natakam 244
5. Cinema 375
6. Isai Natakam 82
7. Folk Arts 111
8. Other Arts 45
9. Television 24
Total 1594
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Financial Assistance to Indigent Artistes

1.26 Under this scheme, Rs.1,000/- per

month is being given as financial assistance to the
aged famous artistes and men of letters who are
now in indigent circumstances. Under this
scheme, so far 11,063 artistes have been
sanctioned financial assistance. The Government
have issued orders enhancing Annual income
ceiling limit for grant of Financial assistance to
indigent artistes from Rs.12,000/- to Rs.60,000/-

Family Maintenance Grant to the Families of

Deceased Famous Artistes

1.27 The bereaved families of the deceased

artistes are given family maintenance grant. So
far, 400 bereaved families of the deceased artistes
were given financial assistance of Rs. 17.36 lakhs.

Inter State Cultural Exchange Programme

1.28 With a view to promoting National

Integration and to create opportunities for non
Tamils to know about the arts and cultural heritage
of Tamil Nadu, a scheme known as Inter-State
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Cultural Exchange Programme is being

implemented by the Mandram with the co-
ordination of Sangeet Natak Akademi to achieve
this objective. Under this scheme, 81 cultural
troupes from other States have visited Tamil Nadu
and 84 cultural troupes of Tamil Nadu have also
visited other States.

Conduct of Cultural programmes abroad

1.29 With a view to make foreigners

aware of our Tamil Culture, to fulfill the wishes of
the Tamilians living there and to improve
relationship with those countries, cultural
programmes are conducted in which the
traditional arts namely Bharathanatyam, folk arts
and music programmes are performed in abroad.

Encouragement of Talented Young Artistes

1.30 In order to provide an avenue to the

budding artistes in Bharathanatyam, Classical
Vocal and Instrumental Music, the Tamil Nadu Eyal
Isai Nataka Mandram extends grants in the range
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of Rs.2000/- to Rs.5000/- based on the

programmes to Voluntary Cultural Organizations
of Tamil Nadu. Till date, 1913 young artistes were
benefited under this scheme.

Grants to Folk Artistes / Troupes for

Purchase of Musical instruments and
Costumes

1.31 The Mandram extends grants to folk

artistes and troupes for costumes and musical
instruments. Under this scheme, a sum of
Rs.750/- is given to each folk artiste and
Rs.2500/- to each troupe. So far, 1437 folk artistes
/ troupes have been benefited.

Grants for the Production of New Dramas

1.32 Under this scheme, the mandram

extends grants to Drama troupes for the
production and staging of new Tamil Plays based
on Tamil art and culture are given. So far, new 42
dramas were staged from the grants released by
the Mandram.
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Grants for the Production of New Dance

Dramas

1.33 Under this scheme, the mandram

extends grants for the production and staging of
new Tamil dance-dramas based on Tamil literature
and culture. So far 20 Dance-Dramas have been
staged by availing this grant.

Grants for the Publication of Rare Books on

Arts

1.34 Under this scheme, Financial

assistance has been sanctioned to publish books
on art. Under this scheme, 104 books have been
published so far.

Cultural Programmes of Mandram

1.35 The Mandram is organizing various

cultural programmes to make the younger
generation appreciate the values of art forms and
to give programme opportunities to the folk
artistes.
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Conferment of All India Level Awards to the

Artistes in the field of Literature, Music and
Dance

1.36 With a view to felicitating the artistes

in the disciplines of literature, music and dance
who have contributed at the National level, three
awards each carrying Rs.1 lakh have been
instituted and given in the name of "Bharathiyar",
"M.S.Subbulakshmi" and "Balasaraswathy"
respectively.

1.37 Audio Video library (Digital Library) has

been constructed at a cost of Rs.5 lakhs in the
premises of mandram to keep the cassettes of
films and music.

TAMIL NADU OVIA NUNKALAI KUZHU

1.38 The Tamil Nadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu

was established in the year 1975 for promoting
and propagating fine arts and to encourage the
artistes involved in the field of fine arts such as
Painting, Sculpture and Graphics. The Ovia Nun
Kalai Kuzhu is now merged with the Department
of Art and Culture.
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Scheme of conferring 'Kalaichemmal'

Awards

1.39 “KALAICHEMMAL” awards are

conferred on the eminent artists of Tamil Nadu in
recognition of their meritorious service in the fields
of Paintings and Sculpture in Traditional and
Contemporary Arts. A cash award of Rs.20,000/-
each and a citation plaque are given to them. 11
eminent artists of Painting and Sculpture in the
traditional field and 42 artists of Painting and
Sculpture in the contemporary field have been
conferred with this title so far.

Scheme of conducting State level exhibition

of traditional art and giving awards

1.40 The Tamil Nadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu

conducts State level Exhibition of Traditional Art.
The Painters and Sculptors of these arts are
encouraged by giving awards to them. For
outstanding creations, an Exhibition Award of
Rs.15,000/-each is given to five “Senior Artists”
above 30 years of age and Rs.5,000/- each to 10
“Junior Artists” who are below thirty years of age.
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Scheme of conducting exhibitions of

contemporary art and giving awards

1.41 The Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu conducts a

state level exhibition to develop contemporary
Paintings and Sculptures and to encourage the
creators of these art works. Awards are given to
the Painter and Sculptor whose works are
adjudged as outstanding in these exhibitions. For
outstanding creations, an Exhibition Award of
Rs.15,000/- each is given to five participating
“Senior Artists” who have completed 30 years of
age and Rs.5,000/-each is given to 10
participating “Junior Artists” who have not
completed 30 years of age.

Scheme of financial assistance to artists for

conducting one-man shows or group shows

1.42 For encouraging the talented

upcoming artistes in the field of Paintings and
Sculpture and to encourage them, financial
assistance of Rs.7,500/- per exhibition is given to
the artists in Tamil Nadu to conduct their
exhibitions either individually or financial
assistance of Rs.15,000/- is given collectively as a
group.
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Scheme of awarding scholarships to young

artists

1.43 To encourage the students of

Government Colleges of Fine Arts at Chennai and
Kumbakonam, a scholarship of Rs.5,000/- each is
given to outstanding final year Post Graduate
Students and Rs.3,000/- each to outstanding final
year Degree students. Till now, 568 Degree
students and 78 Post Graduate students have
been given scholarships.

Art Galleries in Districts

1.44 Three Art Galleries of Ovia Nunkalai

Kuzhu with creative pieces of eminent artistes of
Tamil Nadu are functioning at Udhagamandalam,
Madurai and Art Gallery at Government College of
Fine Arts, Chennai.

TAMIL NADU JAWAHAR SIRUVAR

MANDRAM, CHENNAI

1.45 The main objective of the Jawahar

Siruvar Mandram is to inculcate art training to
children, to bring out their hidden artistic talents
and to give art education along with general
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education to the children between five and sixteen

years of age. The Tamil Nadu Jawahar Siruvar
Mandram was established in 1979 at Chennai and
has establishments throughout the state.

1.46 Jawahar Siruvar Mandrams are

functioning in three ways namely as District
Siruvar Mandrams, Siruvar Mandram Extension
Centres and Siruvar Mandram rural extension
centres. Jawahar Siruvar Mandrams are
functioning in 36 places in the Districts in Tamil
Nadu as follows:

District Jawahar Siruvar Mandrams in 24

places, Jawahar Siruvar Mandram Extension
Centres in 10 places, Jawahar Siruvar Mandram
Rural Centres in 2 places.

District Jawahar Siruvar Mandrams

1.47 District Jawahar Siruvar Mandrams are

functioning at Chennai, Pudukkottai, Madurai,
Udhagamandalm, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli,
Cuddalore, Nagercoil, Thanjavur, Kancheepuram,
Sivagangai, Tirunelveli, Salem,
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Ramanathapuram, Dindugal, Dharmapuri,

Krishnagiri, Theni, Vellore, Tiruvallur, Erode,
Thiruvarur, Virudhunagar and Villupuram.

Jawahar Siruvar Mandram Extension

Centres

Jawahar Siruvar Mandram Extension

Centres are functioning at Perambalur, Thanjavur,
Kulithalai, Karur, Chennai (Dr.. M.G.R Deaf and
Dumb School, Ramapuram), Madurai,
Thoothukkudi, Nagapattinam, Thiruvannamalai
and Namakkal.

Jawahar Siruvar Mandram Rural Centres

Two rural centres for imparting training in

arts to children are effectively functioning in
Ponpudupatti, Pudukkottai district and Ellis Nagar
at Madurai.

Part time training in Jawahar Siruvar

Mandrams

1.48 Part time training in 20 disciplines,

such as Bharathanatyam, Folk Dance, Crafts,
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Vocal, Drama, Gymnastics, Mridangam, Tabla,

Karate, Computer, Key Board, Veena, Drums,
Bands, Tailoring, Drawing and Painting, Screen
Printing, Flute, Yoga and Silambattam are given in
Jawahar Siruvar Mandrams. More than 9000
students are getting training in arts in all Jawahar
Siruvar Mandrams. The details of part time
training given to Siruvar Mandrams are as follows.

Chennai Weekly six days training in

the evening in 15 disciplines

District Jawahar Weekly three days training in

Siruvar the evening in 4 disciplines
Mandram /
Extension
Centres
Rural Jawahar Weekly three days training in
Siruvar the evening in 2 disciplines
Mandrams

1.49 For the benefit of the children residing

in Chennai and to spread the Jawahar Siruvar
Mandram activities, five centres were started in
residential areas. The details of training given in
the 5 centres are as follows
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Mylapore-Chennai Weekly six days training in

the evening in 15 disciplines
Krishnamoorthy Weekly two days (Saturday
Nagar, Vysarpadi- and Sunday) training in the
Chennai evening in 5 disciplines

Selaiyur, Weekly two days (Saturday

Tambaram- and Sunday) training in the
Chennai evening in 6 disciplines

Puzhuthivakkam- Weekly two days (Saturday

Chennai and Sunday) training in the
evening in 6 disciplines

West Tambaram- Weekly two days (Saturday

Chennai and Sunday) training in the
evening in 2 disciplines

Participation of Jawahar Siruvar Mandrams

in National Level Schemes

1.50 In the National Bal Shree selection held

at New Delhi from 01.10.2012 to 05.10.2012, 12
children selected from the South Zone Bal Shree
selection camp participated.

1.51 With a view to implement the scheme

of inter state exchange of cultural programme
among the State Jawahar Siruvar Mandrams,
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Government have sanctioned a sum of Rs. 2.00

lakhs and 23 Jawahar Siruvar Mandram children
from Bhuvaneswar, Odhisa State and 25 Children
from Jawahar Siruvar Mandram Bangalore,
Karnataka State totalling 48 children have given
stage performances on 1.11.2012 in the
Government Museum Theatre, Chennai from
3.11.2012 to 4.11.2012 in Srirangam,
Tiruchirappalli District. The children of Odisha
Jawahar Siruvar Mandram exhibited the various
dance art forms of the state namely Odissi,
Sambalpuri and the Bangalore Jawahar Siruvar
Mandram children exhibited Yakshagana, folk arts
of Karnataka state which was appreciated by the
public.

1.52 Students of Chennai and Tirunelveli

Jawahar Siruvar Mandram centres staged cultural
programmes exhibiting the martial arts of Tamil
Nadu namely Silambam in the South Zonal level
traditional martial arts programme held at
Bangalore city from 06.12.2012 to 08.12.2012
conducted by Karnataka Sahasa Kala Academy.
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State Level Schemes

Summer / Winter Camps

1.53 A state level summer camp was

conducted at Kodaikanal in Dindigul District from
15.05.2012 to 24.05.2012 and a state level winter
camp was organised at Nagercoil in Kanyakumari
District from 24.12.2012 to 31.12.2012. Totally
200 children were trained in the field of
Bharathanatyam, Folk dances, Vocal, Drawing,
Handicraft, Silambam, Yoga in the camps.

State Level Craft Workshop

1.54 A state level craft workshop was

organised at Kumbakonam town from 24.09.2012
to 01.10.2012. 100 children were trained in
Terracotta Doll making, Batik Collage, Handicrafts
and Candle making.

District level and State level cultural

competitions

1.55 With a view to encourage the artistic

talents of Children, cultural competitions were
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organised in all the Districts in which children in

the field of dance, vocal and drawing in the age
group of 5-8, 9-12, 13-16 have participated.
Prizes and Certificates were distributed to the
District level winners. A state level cultural
competition among the first prize winners of the
District level competitions was organised at
Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District on 29.12.2012.
Prizes were distributed on 30.12.2012. The first
prize winners were given cash award of Rs.
10,000/-, the second prize winners were given
cash award of Rs. 7,500/- and third prize winners
were given cash award of Rs. 5,000/-. Totally, a
sum of Rs. 1,35,000/- was spent towards
distribution of Prizes, Medals and Certificates

Free Bharathanatiya Arangetram

1.56 Free Bharathanatiya Arangetram was

arranged by the Government for 5 children from
economically weaker sections in Tirunelveli
District on 09.02.2013 at a cost of Rs. 0.50 lakh.
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Children's Cultural Function

1.57 With the grants obtained from the

South Zone Cultural Centre, children's culture
function was conducted from 03.11.2012 to
04.11.2012 at Srirangam in Trichy District at a cost
of Rs. 2.00 lakhs in which students of all Jawahar
Siruvar Mandrams participated and staged
performances.

National Bal Shree Awardees

1.58 For the National Bal Shree Honour

2011-2012, National Bal Bhavan has selected
three students.

1.59 Further, the four National Bal Shree

winners of 2010 and one National Bal Shree
Winner of 2011 were honoured by the Government
in a function held on 26.06.2012 during Panorama
of Tamil Culture festival at Government Museum
Theatre, Chennai. The winners were given Rs.
0.50 lakh at the rate of Rs. 10,000/- each along
with citation and certificate.
 33

Activities of Jawahar Siruvar Mandram

1.60 From the year 2012-2013, the

consolidated pay of part time art teachers and
Project Officers of Jawahar Bal Bhavan are
enhanced from Rs. 300/- to Rs. 1,500/-. Further
the consolidated pay of part time art teachers of
Chennai are also enhanced from Rs. 1500-/ to
Rs. 2000/-.

1.61 Important Developments in Art and

Culture Department during 2012-2013

 Building for District Government Music

School and “Regional Art and Cultural
Complex” was constructed at a cost of Rs.
96.00 lakhs at Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli and
was inaugurated on 13.09.2012 by the
Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

 Building for housing the District Government

Music School, District Jawahar Siruvar
Mandram and Folk Artistes Welfare Board,
“Regional Art & Cultural Complex” was
constructed at a cost of Rs. 92.92 lakhs at
 34

Kancheepuram and was inaugurated on

29.07.2012 by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of
Tamil Nadu.

 Building for Madurai, ''Regional Art and

Cultural Complex'' was constructed at a cost
of Rs.87.10 lakhs.

 Building for construction of District

Government Music School and ''Regional Art
and Cultural Complex'' at Tirunelveli, has
been sanctioned at a cost of Rs. 1.00 Crore
and the work is under progress.

 Construction of first floor for Tamil Nadu

Government Music College, Tiruvaiyaru has
been sanctioned at a cost of Rs.61.60 lakhs
and the construction of kudils and class
rooms is under progress.

 Government order was issued to construct

''Regional Art and Cultural Complex''
housing the District Government Music
School, District Jawahar Siruvar Mandram
and Folk Artists Welfare Board at Salem at a
 35

cost of Rs. 1.00 Crore. The construction has

commenced.

 A sum of Rs. 90.91 lakhs was sanctioned for

construction of building for Tamil Nadu
Government Music College at
Malumichampatti in Coimbatore District. .
The construction has commenced.

 A sum of Rs. 8.95 lakhs has been sanctioned

for renovation of the Girls Hostel at
Government Music College, Chennai. The
renovation work is undertaken by the PWD
authorities.

 Stipend amount paid to the students of

Government Music Colleges was enhanced
to Rs. 500/- from Rs.250/- per month from
2012-2013 academic year. A sum of Rs.
36.98 lakhs was sanctioned.

 Monthly stipend amount was sanctioned to

the students of District Government Music
Schools from 2011-2012 at a rate of
Rs.200/- for the first time. Subsequently
 36

this scholarship amount was increased two

fold to Rs.400/- per month from 2012-
2013 academic year. Government have
sanctioned a sum of Rs. 39.84 lakhs.

 Annual income ceiling fixed to avail financial

assistance scheme for indigent artists was
enhanced from Rs.12,000/- to Rs.60,000/-
to benefit indigent artists.

 Windows of Culture, special cultural

programme is organized every Thursday at
Chennai Museum Theater by the Art and
Culture Department in collaboration with
the Department of Museums in order to
show case the traditional art forms to the
student's c o m m u n i t y. A sum of
Rs. 6.00 lakhs has been sanctioned.

 Five National Bal Shree Awardee children

were honoured by the Government of Tamil
Nadu by giving them a sum of Rs. 10,000/-
each in the windows of culture festival held
at Chennai Government Museum Theatre on
26.06.2012.
 37

 A sum of Rs.63.35 lakhs was totally

sanctioned for purchase of materials,
equipments, computers and accessories for
the Government Music Colleges,
Government College of Fine Arts,
Government College of Architecture and
Sculpture and Schemes were implemented.

 A sum of Rs.35.50 lakhs has been

sanctioned for conduct of cultural
programmes in all Districts, conduct of Arts
Training and conduct of awareness
campaign for music training. The scheme
was implemented.

 A winter camp was conducted by the Tamil

Nadu Jawahar Siruvar Mandram from
24.12.2012 to 31.12.2012 in Nagercoil,
Kanyakumari District at a cost of Rs1.80
lakhs

 A State level Craft workshop was conducted

during Quarterly holidays from 24.09.2012
to 01.10.2012 by the Tamil Nadu Jawahar
Siruvar Mandram at a cost of Rs. 1.80 lakhs.
 38

100 students of Jawahar Siruvar Mandrams

were given training.

 On the eve of Tamil New years day on

13.04.2012, Cultural programmes were
conducted in which 502 folk artistes
participated.

 Eyal Isai Drama Dance festival was

conducted at Coimbatore from 28.09.2012
to 30.09.2012 in which various cultural
programmes were staged. 100 artistes were
benefitted from 7 cultural programmes.

 15 artistes participated and staged

performances exhibiting Tamil Arts on
30.10.2012 at Kullu Valley in Himachal
Pradesh State.

 Under the scheme of encouragement to new

talents, artistes from different fields were
selected and through various District
Cultural organizations 72 Cultural
programmes were conducted at a cost of
Rs.7.66 lakhs.
 39

 Iyal Isai Dance Drama festival was

conducted from 20.02.2013 to 24.02.2013
in the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram
campus.

1.62 The following schemes are

Implemented under Part II Schemes for the
year 2012-2013:-
Amount
S.No. Description of the Scheme (Rupees
in lakhs)
A. Directorate of Art and
Culture
1. Purchase of furniture for 3.00
Directorate (Furniture for
Conference hall)
2. Tamil Panorama 6.00
B. Regional Cultural
Centers

3. Celebrating Art Festivals at 8.00

all Districts
4. Youth Cultural Contest 1.50

C . Government College of
Fine Arts
 40

Amount
S.No. Description of the Scheme (Rupees
in lakhs)
Purchase of Computers for the
5. benefit of Students of the 4.00
College

6. Purchase of Machinery and

5.00
Equipment for the practice of
the students

7. Purchase of furniture for the

5.00
benefit of the students
Special coaching to the Fine
8. Arts college students by the 0.80
concerned department
eminent artists
D. Government College of
Architecture and Sculpture,
Mamallapuram
Purchase of Computers and
9. Accessories 2.00

Purchase of Machineries and

10. 3.00
Equipment
Special coaching to the
11. Mamallapuram College of 0.40
Architecture and Sculpture
students by the concerned
department eminent artists
 41

Amount
S.No. Description of the Scheme (Rupees
in lakhs)
E. Government Music
Colleges

12. Repairing the old musical

2.00
instruments
13. Paving of Faver Block Cement 2.00
flooring in front of the Main
Building at Government Music
College, Chennai and create a
fountain in front of the Tagore
Auditorium
Providing Computer Lab to
14. 5.00
Government Music College,
Thiruvaiyaru and Purchase
Audio-Visual equipment

15. Special coaching to the

0.80
Government Music college
students by the concerned
department eminent artists
F. District Government
Music Schools
Purchase of furniture to
16. District Government Music 5.10
Schools
 42

Amount
S.No. Description of the Scheme (Rupees
in lakhs)
Purchase of musical
17. 5.10
instruments to District
Government Music Schools.
Advertisement Charges for
18. 3.20
District Government Music
School Students' admission
and Create Awareness
Programmes

19. Purchase of Fax Machines and

New Telephone connection to 2.55
District Government Music
schools
G. Tamil Nadu Jawahar
Siruvar Mandram

20. Purchase of Exclusive Dress

Materials, Ornaments, Art 3.60
Training Materials

21. Implementation of art

development schemes through 3.60
Jawahar Siruvar Mandrams

22. Inter State Cultural Exchange

programmes through Jawahar 2.00
Siruvar Mandrams
 43

Amount
S.No. Description of the Scheme (Rupees
in lakhs)
H. Tamil Nadu Ovia
Nunkalai Kuzhu

23. Conduct of Artists Camp

(Painting and Sculpture) at 1.00
Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore,
Trichy and Tirunelveli
I. Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes
Welfare Board
To propagate the 100 Art Forms
24. 3.20
among the younger generation
by conducting art trainings and
to create awareness

25. Giving musical instruments,

dress materials and ornaments 6.00
at free of cost to Folk Artistes
J. Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai
Nataka Mandram
Conducting Eyal Isai Nataka-
26. 5.00
Natya Vizha
Create Garden around the
27. 5.00
Campus and fountain in front
of the office of Tamil Nadu Eyal
Isai Nataka Mandram and
upgradation works to the Open
Air Auditorium
 44

Amount
S.No. Description of the Scheme (Rupees
in lakhs)
Purchase of furniture for the
28. Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka 5.00
Mandram
Grand Total 98.85

1.63 The following new schemes are

proposed under Part II Schemes for the year
2013-2014:-

Amount
S.No. Description of the Scheme (Rupees
in lakhs)
Celebrating Art Festival at all
1. districts (each district 9.60
Rs.30,000) through the
Regional Art and Culture
Centres
Conduting Tamil Panorama
2. Cultural Programmes through 6.00
the Directorate of Art and
Culture
Inter State Cultural Exchange
3. 3.00
Programes through Jawahar
Siruvar Mandrams
 45

Amount
S.No. Description of the Scheme (Rupees
in lakhs)
Refresher Course for Jawahar
4. 3.00
Siruvar Mandram art teachers
and programme officers - 3
days ( by utilising National
Bal Bhavan Resource Persons)

Conducting Artistes Camp for

5. 3.00
students and Public through
the Tamilnadu Oviya Nunkalai
Kuzhu (Painting and
Sculpture) at Chennai,
Madurai, Coimbatore,
Thanjavur, Trichy and
Tirunelveli (Rs.50,000/- each)

6. Construction of Art Gallery 75.00

inside the Fine Arts College
Campus, Chennai

Modernisation of Archives
7. 25.00
inside the Fine Arts College
Campus, Chennai

Grand Total 124.60

 46

CONCLUSION :

Art and Culture is a reflective mirror of mankind. To

rejuvenate traditional art forms which embody the ancient
and rich Tamil Culture and Traditions, is the aim of the Art
and Culture Department. It has striven hard to march
forward towards this goal and has achieved a large
measure of success.
 47

DEPARTMENT OF MUSUEMS

POLICY NOTE FOR THE YEAR

2013-2014

Introduction

The history of whole human civilization is

nothing except the story of evolution of human
thought. A learning society reaches new heights in
civilisation. Cultural heritage always has profound
influence on the human mind.

Formal education has to be supplemented

by institutions like museums which create learning
through objects - models (preferably interactive)
and historical artefacts.

Museums have changed over time in their

display techniques - interactive display, touch etc
substituting for the older ' Do not touch' approach
except for rare artefacts which are liable to
deterioration due to human contact. Generating
awareness and dissemination of knowledge is the
prime focus of museums today.
 48

Different people have different needs and

interests. A Museum must develop its services
according to the needs and interests of a diverse
range of visitors. It must be attractive enough by
frequent display changes to generate repeat visits.
It must inform by signage and guide books, audio
guides etc.

Museums have become supplementary

educational institutions for students.

Museums need to attract under privileged

sections of society. Education of the masses is an
important issue and the museums are the best non
formal agencies to impart education through
recreation. Thus edutainment and infotainment
have taken the centre stage of museums.

The Department of Museums follows the

principle of 'Inclusive Museums' and 'Museums for
All' and these ethics are reflected in all the
developments recently taking place in the
museum at Chennai and in the districts of Tamil
Nadu.
 49

Museums function as centres of education

and tourism. They attract the discerning tourist.
No visit to a city or tourist place is complete
without a visit to the local museum.

Government Museum, Chennai

The Government Museum, Chennai is one of

the oldest and biggest museums in India. It was
started in 1851. It is located in 16.25 acres of land
in the heart of the city. There are 47 galleries
located in six individual buildings. Archaeology,
Anthropology, Art, Numismatics, Botany, Zoology,
Geology, Children's wing, Conservation, Design
and Display, and Education are the subjects
covered in the museum. In addition to the objects
exhibited in the galleries, many others are kept in
the reserve collection and they are displayed on
rotation basis, besides being utilized for research
purposes. The world famous Bronze collections,
Amaravati limestone sculptures, Robert Bruce
Foote collections, Adichanallur megalithic
collections, Coins of India and a skeleton of a
whale are some of the noteworthy collections of
the Government Museum, Chennai.
 50

District Museums

In addition to the Head Quarters Museum at

Chennai, there are 20 District Museums
functioning in Pudukottai, Salem, Madurai,
Tiruchirapalli, Vellore, Erode, Cuddalore,
Uthagamandalam, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari,
Krishnagiri, Tirunelveli, Sivagangai, Tiruvarur,
Pa l a n i , Nagappattinam, Ka n c h e e p u ra m ,
Ramanathapuram, Karur and Virudhunagar
Districts.

Important Functions of the Museums

1. Collection and Preservation of objects

2. Scientific storage and aesthetic display of

objects for visitors

3. Documenting the collections, including

cataloguing, publishing of printed
catalogues, books, journals, etc.

4. Undertaking research activities individually

or in association with other institutions,
universities and facilitate research scholars
 51

and students by providing access to the

collections and information.

5. Conducting periodical exhibitions, lectures

and programmes as part of the educational
activities.

6. Conservation and restoration of objects

through chemical and non-chemical
conservation.

E- Publication

The Museum Web Site developed in 2001

can be used to E-Publish all the old valuable
publications of the museum, many of which date
back from circa 1852 AD. They are renowned world
wide. They are found in many libraries and most
museum libraries of the world. This would enable
scholars and public worldwide to have instant
access to the excellent research and knowledge
accumulated over the years by the Government
Museum, Chennai (Madras). This would be done in
2013-2014.
 52

Assembly Announcements 2012-2013

S. Name of the Scheme & Present Status
No. Allotment

1. Upgradation of Children's The work

Museum in the order was
Government Museum, issued to the
Chennai with new PWD. The Civil
infrastructure like facilities and Electrical
to visitors, improvements works have
to the display systems at been
a cost of Rs.50 lakhs. completed.

2. Modernisation of Botany The moderni

Gallery in the Government sation works,
Museum, Chennai at a preparation of
cost of Rs.27 lakhs. dioramas, and
introduction of
supporting
display have
been
completed.

Improvement of 2 District Preparation of

3.
Museums of Karur and new showcases,
Vellore under the control labelling and
of the Department of improving the
lighting have
Museums at the rate of
been completed
Rs.5 lakhs per Museum.
in both the
museums.
 53

Part II Scheme 2012 2013

Under Part II Scheme 2012 - 2013, ten
schemes have been sanctioned for Rs. 56.16 lakhs
Amount
S. (Rupees Present Status
Scheme
No.
in lakhs)
1. Improving 2 10.00 Preparation
District of new
Museums under showcases,
the control of labelling and
the Department improving
of Museums at a the lighting
cost of Rs.5 have been
lakhs per completed.
Museum.

2. Providing 5.00 Five units of

drinking water Drinking
facility in the water facility
Government have been
Museum, provided in
Chennai all the
buildings in
the
Government
Museum,
Chennai
 54

Amount
S. (Rupees Present Status
Scheme
No.
in lakhs)
3. Improvement of 6.00 The proposal
the entrance of could not be
the Main implemented
Building at the cost
Government provided.
Museum,
Chennai.

4. Reprinting of 6.00 The

Museum Committee as
Publications directed by the
that are out of Government
stock at a cost have been
of Rs.6 lakhs. constituted
and the
committee had
met and
selected the
books for
reprint. The
work has been
entrusted to
Government
Press, Chennai
and amount
has been paid
in advance.
 55

Amount
S. (Rupees Present Status
Scheme
No.
in lakhs)
5. Provision of one 5.86 Coats and
set of Coat/suit Safari suits
for Curators, have been
two sets of supplied to
Safari Suits to 105 staff
Gallery Guards members of
and supply of 2 Government
White Coats to Museum,
Lab personnel in Chennai and
the Chennai other District
Museum. Museums.
Department of
Museums.

6. Organisation of 1.00 50 'Exhibits

Special of the Week'
Exhibitions shows have
object of the been
Week in the conducted in
Museum. 2012 2013.
 56

Amount
S. (Rupees Present Status
Scheme
No.
in lakhs)
7. Training to 8.30 1) 58 Gallery
Gallery Guards Guards of the
for 3 days in Government
batches of 10
persons in Public Museum,
Relations and Chennai have
Visitor's ethics in been provided
Chennai for the training for 3
Administrative days in Anna
Staff for 3 days
at Anna Institute Institute of
of Management, Management.
Chennai. One 2) Due to
day awareness
administrative
creative
Seminar/ reasons the
Workshop for proposed
college students training for
including the
Engineering and
administrative
Professional
Colleges in staff was not
Culture and conducted .
related matters 3) 1450
(target 1000
students per college
year). students have
 57

Amount
S. (Rupees Present Status
Scheme
No.
in lakhs)
been provided
with training
on culture
and heritage
in the
Museum
Theatre.
4)1920
corporation
school
children have
been given
one day
training
including art
workshop in
27 sessions in
2012-2013.
 58

Amount
S. (Rupees Present Status
Scheme
No.
in lakhs)

8. Exposure visit to 1.00 24 staff

other Museums members
in Mumbai, Delhi including
and Kolkata by staff
staff members. members of
the
Department
of Museums
have visited
the
Metropolitan
Museums at
New Delhi,
Kolkatta and
Mumbai.

9. Conduct of 5.00 Under

Panpattu Panpattu
Palagani Palagani
(Windows of (Windows of
Culture) in Culture) 36
association with programmes
Art and Culture were
Department for conducted in
the benefit of 2012 -2013.
students.
 59

Amount
S. (Rupees Present Status
Scheme
No.
in lakhs)

10. Outsourcing 8.00 Computer

Graduate Assistants
Computer have been
Assistants, on appointed in
contract basis to different
assist the sections of
Curators in the Museum
Government to assist the
Museum, Curators.
Chennai.

Total 56.16

Discretionary Funds:

 Under Discretionary funds for 2012-

2013, Rs.20 lakhs have been sanctioned
to implement various works in Chennai
and District Museums.

S. Amount
Scheme Present Status
No. (Rupees)

1. Preparation of 50,000 Three new

new showcases showcases
for Chain-Mail in with lighting
 60

S. Amount
Scheme Present Status
No. (Rupees)

the Anthropology have been

Building. prepared and
erected in
the
anthropology
section.

2. Putting up of 3,75,000 Nineteen LED

LED illuminated illuminated
display boards in d i s p l a y
the boards have
Anthropology, been fixed in
Archaeology, the galleries.
Geology, Botany,
Numismatics,
Art Galleries and
in Children's
Museum.

3. Preparation of 3,90,000 12 new

new showcases showcases
for display of have been
reserve bronzes prepared and
in the second 20 Bronzes
floor of the kept in
Bronze Gallery, Reserve, have
Government been put on
Museum, Chennai display.
 61

S. Amount
Scheme Present Status
No. (Rupees)

4. Preparation of 1,25,000 New Vinyl

new name display work
boards and vinyl had been
display works at provided to
Pudukkottai 45 showcases
District Museum. and New
Name Board
had been
provided.

5. Providing LED 30,000 14 new LED

caption boards illuminated
for the Botany Caption
section of the Boards had
Government been fixed in
Museum, the Galleries.
Chennai.

6. Purchase of 70,000 12 new

display stands attractive
and other display
materials for stands with
Chemical museum
Conservation information
Section. have been
procured.
 62

S. Amount
Scheme Present Status
No. (Rupees)

7. Purchase of 1,00,000 100 plastic

chairs, Tables for chairs and
Educational one big
Activities in the wooden table
Government have been
Museum, purchased.
Chennai.
8. Fixing up of 40,000 44 number of
Braille Boards for Braille
the differently boards had
abled persons at been
the Government prepared and
are going to
Museum,
be placed in
the galleries.

9. Improving 50,000 Vinyl display

display at the work and the
Mammal Gallery caption labels
in the have been
Government prepared for
Museum, the new
Chennai. showcases.
 63

S. Amount
Scheme Present Status
No. (Rupees)

10. Preparation of 50,000 New Name

new name boards have
boards for the been
Coimbatore and prepared and
Trichy District fixed.
Museums.

11. Fixing up of LED 50,000 LED lamps

Lamps in had been
showcases at the provided to
District Museum, the 14
Vellore. showcases.

12. Construction of 50,000 Pedestals

pedestal for 46 work have
sculptures in been
Kanyakumari completed
District Museum. and the
sculptures
had been
displayed.

13. Preparation of 60,000 News Letter

News Letter for for 2011
the Government 2012 has
Museum, been
Chennai prepared.
 64

S. Amount
Scheme Present Status
No. (Rupees)

14. Purchase of 60,000 50 number of

furniture and plastic chairs,
introducing vinyl two tables
display boards at and one
Kancheepuram bureau have
District Museum. been
purchased.

15. Purchase of two 84,000 Two Timer

timer control control units
units, DVD and DVD
player for Rock player as
and Cave Art proposed had
Gallery in been
Contemporary purchased
Art Gallery. and fixed.

16. Fixing up of 16,000 Two Glass

Glass doors for doors had
two Octonorm been provided
showcases in to the
Industries and Octonorm
Handicrafts of showcases.
Contemporary
Art Gallery.
 65

S. Amount
Scheme Present Status
No. (Rupees)

17. Establishing 1,00,000 Gallery work

Copper Plates has been
Gallery in the fully
New Extension completed.
Gallery

18. Reorganisation 3,00,000 Purchase of

of the 'Costume Costume
Dolls' Gallery, Dolls and
Science and other related
Technology works have
Gallery and been
Transport completed.
Gallery in the
Children's
Museum.

Total 20,00,000
 66

The following major Civil, Electrical works

and Gallery Improvement works have been
completed at the Government Museum,
Chennai.

Centrally Sponsored Scheme Fund Allocation

Details
2011-2012
S. Sanctioned
Item of Work Amount Status
No.
(Rs.in lakhs)

1. Construction of 96.00 The

the balance construction
portion of of the
Heritage balance
Compound Wall portion of the
for a length of Heritage
88.5 meters Compound
has been taken wall has been
up and the completed.
work has been For the
completed. It existing wall
has used cleaning work
Satyavedu had also been
stone that carried out.
occurs between
seams of
gneiss. It is
softer than pink
 67

2011-2012
S. Sanctioned
Item of Work Amount Status
No.
(Rs.in lakhs)

sandstone. It
was identified in
2002-2003 by
the then
Commissioner
of Museums,
Dr.R.Kannan,
IAS based on
the writings of
Alexander Rea,
Curator circa
1860-1870 AD.
Till then it was
commonly
believed to be
pink sandstone.
Most buildings
in Chennai
(Madras) built
around the turn
of the 20th
Century AD
were built of
this type of
stone. This is
documented in
the Souvenir
 68

2011-2012
S. Sanctioned
Item of Work Amount Status
No.
(Rs.in lakhs)

brought on the
occasion of the
151st
Anniversary of
the Government
Museum,
Chennai
presided over
by the then
President of
India, Dr. Abdul
Kalam in which
our Hon. Chief
Minister
Puratchi
Thalaivi Selvi
J Jayalalithaa
was the prime
mover.

2. Renovation of 38.50 Granite

the Children's flooring has
Museum at the been
Government provided to
Museum, the
Chennai basement,
ground and
 69

2011-2012
S. Sanctioned
Item of Work Amount Status
No.
(Rs.in lakhs)

first floor of
the Children's
Museum.
False ceiling
has also been
provided to
the basement
floor.

3. Re-organisation 3.50 New wall

of the Wood panel has
Carving Gallery been
in the provided and
Anthropology 80 wood
Building. carvings have
been
displayed
with metal
halide
lighting.

4. Reorganisation 35.00 Six new 8.5

of Rock & Cave ton ceiling
Art Gallery in suspension
the type Air
Contemporary Conditioners
Art Building of have been
 70

2011-2012
S. Sanctioned
Item of Work Amount Status
No.
(Rs.in lakhs)

the Government provided in

Museum, the Ground
Chennai. and First
Floor.

5. Introduction of 10.00 43 sculptures

two new Walk- have been
through displayed in
Sculpture the walk
Gardens at the through
Government sculpture
Museum, garden.
Chennai.

6. Reserve Display 43.00 133 reserve

(Visual Storage) Amaravati
of remaining sculptures
Amaravati have been
Sculptures. displayed as
visual
storage.
7. Renovation of 57.50 New wooden
Centenary panelling and
Exhibition Hall Air
Conditioning
have been
 71

2011-2012
S. Sanctioned
Item of Work Amount Status
No.
(Rs.in lakhs)

completed in
the
Centenary
Exhibition
Hall.

8. Repairs to the 19.00 Museum

internal roads campus had
in the campus been laid with
of the new roads.
Government
Museum,
Chennai
9. Erection of 5 100.00 Two 250 KVA
Generators for and three
supply of 160 KVA
uninterrupted power
power supply to Generators
the Gallery and have been
Office buildings. installed on
cement beds
to feed all
the buildings
with
uninterrupted
power supply.
 72

2011-2012
S. Sanctioned
Item of Work Amount Status
No.
(Rs.in lakhs)

10. Renovation of 11.00 Ceiling work,

Activity Centre. Panelling
work, Floor
replacement,
and new
lighting for
the ceiling
have been
provided

11. Construction of 16.00 Two new

Additional Toilet toilets with
blocks for the special
Differently
Abled Persons. amenities
have been
built for the
use of
Differently
Abled
persons.

Total Amount 429.50

 73

Part II Schemes 2013 - 2014

S. Amount
Name of the Scheme (in Rupees)
No.

Component - I

1. Replacement of old 13,00,000

vehicle with a new Utility
vehicle for the
Department of Museums
towards replacement of
Vehicle

2. Project proposals on Up- 15,00,000

gradation of Surveillance
Camera System

3. Signage and Name Board 5,00,000

facility for the visiting
public at the Government
Museum, Chennai
4. Modernisation of two 10,00,000
District Museums under
the Department of
Museums at
Rs.5,00,000/- each

5. Purchase of Ticket 5,00,000

Machines for the 20
District Museums
 74

S. Amount
Name of the Scheme (in Rupees)
No.
6. Purchase of Infrastructure 4,00,000
for the Conference Room
in the Directorate of
Museums, Chennai

7. Printing of Museum 6,00,000

Publications including
reprinting of books
Total- I 58,00,000
Component - II

1. 360 degree Translide 4,50,000

display in the Bird Gallery
of the Government
Museum, Chennai.

2. Conducting the 1,00,000

Programme of 'Exhibit of
the Week' at the
Government Museum,
Chennai

3. Conducting Panpattu 5,00,000

Palagani (Windows of
Culture) in association
with Art and Culture
Department for the
benefit of students.
 75

S. Amount
Name of the Scheme (in Rupees)
No.
4. Digitization of 1,00,000 6,00,000
pages of Museum books
and preparation of library
books and development
of separate portal
5. Establishing the District 30,00,000
Museum at Thoothukudi
Total II 46,50,000
Grand Total 104,50,000

Following Special Exhibitions and Workshops have

been organized :-

 In connection with the 'Heritage Week'

celebrations an exhibition on 'Chola Art'
was conducted from 18th April to 25th April
2012.

 In connection with the 'International

Museum Day', an exhibition on 'Select
Coinage of Tamilnadu' was conducted from
18th May to 23rd May 2012.

 An exhibition on 'Endangered Mammals of

 76

India' was conducted from 27th June to 3rd

July 2012.

 An exhibition on 'Food Grains' was

conducted from 01.08.2012 to 06.08.2012..

 World Nature Conservation Day celebrations

was conducted on 28th July 2012 in
collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund for
Nature India.

 A Seminar on 'Explore, exhibit to Educate'

was conducted on 15th October to 16th
October 2012 at the Government Museum,
Chennai.

Special Lectures that have been organized

 A Lecture Cum Gallery Talk was provided to

the Students of National Institute of Fashion
Technology, Chennai on 18.10.2012 at
Museum Theatre.

 Zoology students from Ethiraj Women's

College visited the Government Museum,
Chennai on 17.10.2012. Gallery talk and
 77

Power Point Presentation on 'Snakes' were

delivered to them.

Special Training Programmes provided

 38th Refresher Course on 'Care of Museum

Object' was conducted at the Government
Museum, Chennai from 1st June to 30th
June 2012.

Special Initiative Schemes

 To expose the cultural resources of Tamil

Nadu, a cultural feast called 'Panpattu
Palagani' was conducted in the Government
Museum, Chennai from 26.07.2012
onwards in collaboration with the
Department of Art and Culture.

 Introduction of the innovative concept of '

Exhibit of the Week' In order to display a
Select object for the ' Exhibit of the Week'
Special - Exhibition was launched with effect
from 6.6.2011 and so far 50 weekly
exhibitions were conducted and 50
pamphlets in English and Tamil were
released.
 78

Provision of Training in Art Forms and

Handicrafts to the students of Chennai
Corporation Schools.

 Chennai Corporation School children were

provided with training in various Art forms
and Handicraft as they are under privileged
children. So far 1920 students have been
trained in the year 2012 - 2013.

Publications

The following New Publications have been

brought out during 2012 - 2013 :-

 The Hand Book on Government Museum,

Chennai

 Certain choice Exhibits of Anthropology

Section

 Foreign Coins in the collection of

Government Museum, Chennai (Chinese,
Roman and Venetian)

 Guide to the Refurbished Amaravati Gallery

 79

 Refurbishment of Amaravati Gallery

 A Catalogue of Copper Plate Grants 1918

2010.

 Silk Border Carpet

 Catalogue of South Indian Timbers in the

collection of Systematic Botany Gallery

 Folk bronzes of Western Tamil Nadu

 An Ethnographic study of the Urikara

Naicken Community of Tamil Nadu

 Textile blocks in the collection of

Government Museum, Chennai.

 Guide to Anthropological Exhibits.

 Pudukottai Thondaiman Cheppedukal

(Tamil)

 1813-il Pudukottai

 Kalaipporuttkal pathukappu (Tamil)

 80

National Manuscripts Mission

In India, over thousands of years,

manuscripts have been written in a vast number of
languages and each in itself embodies her history.
Today, thousands of manuscripts lie neglected in
institutions and homes around the country, and
are in urgent need of conservation. They are
found on materials such as birch, palm leaf,
handmade paper and cloth that require specialized
care in handling and storage and in conservation
for posterity.

The Government Museum Manuscripts

Conservation Centre (GM-MCC) was established in
2004 and has since been conducting several
Preventive Conservation Workshops, Seminars
and Special Exhibitions throughout Tamil Nadu to
achieve the Mission's objectives. At present there
are fourteen Manuscripts Conservation Partner
Centres under GM-MCC who seek guidance and
service from the Museum. There are innumerable
manuscripts kept in various repositories of Tamil
Nadu and their conservation needs are attended to
by Government Museum Manuscripts
Conservation Centre.
 81

Conclusion

Museums conduct a wide variety of

educational activities for the benefit of students
and public. In addition to the educational
activities, museums preserve the past for the
benefit of the future generations. Modern
technological advancements have facilitated the
dissemination of knowledge to the public and
students in an efficient manner by way of modern
illumination, effective signage and informative
labelling.

The objectives of the Museums are

constantly changing. In spite of these
developments it is expected that Museums will
continue to play a major role in shaping the
thinking process of students, scholars and general
public.
 82

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY

POLICY NOTE FOR THE YEAR 2013-2014

INTRODUCTION

Archaeology is the scientific study of past

cultures and the way people lived based on the
materials that they used and left behind.
Archaeology is our voyage to the past, where we
discover who we were and therefore who we are.
Archaeologists study human beings and human
behaviour and the data they produce help us to
understand the past, present and future.

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY

The Department of Archaeology was started

in the year 1961 by the Government of Tamil Nadu,
with the prime intention of Conservation and
Preservation of Ancient monuments and to
conduct systematic excavations at potential
archaeological sites. Later on, its activities were
expanded to cover copying and deciphering of
stone inscriptions, documenting and publishing
them; chemical preservation of art objects and
 83

Registration of antiquities etc. The antiquities

unearthed from excavations are exhibited for the
benefit of scholars and the general public in the
fourteen archaeological site museums in various
districts. A research library is also functioning at
head quarters, Chennai with valuable, unique and
rare books for the benefit of staff members and
scholars.

The Department of Archaeology is

functioning under the control of the Director of
Archaeology, assisted by a Deputy Director, two
Deputy Superintending Archaeologists, Assistant
Superintending Epigraphist, Assistant Executive
Engineer, Assistant Director (Regional), Curator,
Epigraphist, Archaeological Officer, Pre-Historic
Archaeologist and Exploration cum Excavation
Archaeologist.

CONSERVATION SECTION

So far 85 ancient and historical monuments

including religious and secular buildings have been
declared as protected monuments by the
Government of Tamil Nadu. Under the State
 84

Specific Needs Grants recommended by the

Thirteenth Finance Commission (2011-2014) , a
sum of Rs. 10.00 Crores (Rupees Ten crores only)
was sanctioned for the conservation and provision
of infrastructure facilities in 31 ritual temple
Monuments in Tamil Nadu for the period of
2011-2014 as detailed below :-
Year Wise Allocation Details

Year Wise Conservation Works Infrastructure Works Total

Details Total no. of Rs. in Total no. of Rs. in Rs. in
Monuments Lakhs Monuments Lakhs Lakhs
2011-2012 5 18.35 - - 18.35
2012-2013 16 301.90 13 293.00 594.90
2013-2014 10 264.75 8 122.00 386.75
Total 31 585.00 21 415.00 1000.00

Under the Thirteenth Finance Commission

Grants, a sum of Rs.585.00 Lakhs for
Conservation Works and Rs. 415.00 Lakhs for
infrastructure facilities to the Monuments with a
total sum of Rs.1000.00 Lakhs has been
sanctioned for Conservation of 31 temple
monuments. During the period 2012-2013, the
works are being executed through the PWD for the
following Sixteen Temple Monuments.
 85

S. Amount
Name of works (Rs. in Lakhs)
No.

1. Sri Mahadevar Temple at 41.00

Edayarpakkam,
Kancheepuram District

2. Sivakozhundeeswarar 27.60
Temple at Sivankoodal,
Kancheepuram District

3. Vittalkoil at Vittalapuram, 51.40

Kancheepuram District
Jeenaswamy Temple at
4. 27.20
Thiruparuthikundram,
Kancheepuram District

5. Chandraprabha Temple at 11.40

Thiruparuthikundram,
Kancheepuram District

6. Visaleeswarar Temple at 37.40

Vilakkanampoondi,
Tiruvallur District

7. Thadagapureeswarar 155.50
Temple at Madam,
Tiruvannamalai District

8. Vishnu Temple at 16.80

Ulagapuram, Villupuram
District
 86

S. Amount
Name of works (Rs. in Lakhs)
No.

9. Sivan Temple at 17.40

Ulagapuram, Villupuram
District

10. Rudrapathi Temple at 9.50

Keezhakadambur,
Cuddalore District

11. Kadambavaneswarar 33.80

Temple at Erumbur,
Cuddalore District

12. Sadayarkoil at 31.75

Thiruchinampoondi,
Thanjavur District

13. Pachil Amaleswarar temple 40.90

at Azhagiya Manavalam,
Trichy District

14. Sri Kailayamudaiyar 35.75

Temple at Chozhamadevi,
Trichy District

15. Sivankoil at Gopurapatti, 43.50

Trichy District

16. Vettuvankoil & Jain Abodes 14.00

at Kazhugumalai, Tuticorin
District
Total 594.90
 87

In order to protect and preserve the rich

Heritage and Cultural properties of Tamil Nadu, a
Legislation was passed as “Tamil Nadu Heritage
Commission Act 2012” (No. 24/2012) and
published in the Government Gazette No.145,
dated 01.06.2012. Preliminary action has been
taken to appoint the members for the commission
and for a building.

A N C I E N T M O N U M E N T S A N D
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND REMAINS
(Amendment and Validation) ACT 2010 -
AMASR (A&V) 2010 (Govt. of India:
Archaeological Survey of India)

The Supreme Court of India has instructed

that no construction activities should be taken up
within 100 Meters from the protected monuments.
According to this Act, 100 Meters is defined as
"Prohibited Area" and from there up to 300 Meters
is defined as "Regulated Area". The applications
received from public are processed for issuing No
Objection Certificates (N.O.C) according to AMASR
Act by this department for approval by the
National Monument Authority, Government of
India, New Delhi.
 88

EXCAVATION IN HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT

SITES

The department carried out excavation at

36 sites of which 35 excavation reports have been
brought out in book form. Under Part II Scheme for
the year 2011-2012, excavation was conducted at
Alambarai Fort, Kancheepuram District at a cost of
Rs.2.50 lakhs where cannon balls, copper slag,
potteries, etc., were found. An exhibition was also
organized with the unearthed artefacts for the
benefit of the general public. During the year
2013-2014, it is proposed to conduct excavation at
Srirangam of Trichy District to reveal the
political, socio-cultural significance of Srirangam
in ancient Tamil Nadu right from the earliest
period.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE MUSEUMS

The valuable antiquities that have been

unearthed are preserved and exhibited for the
benefit of the scholars, researchers and the public
in the following 14 archaeological site museums of
this department:-
 89

S.
Site Museums Place / District
No.
1. Danish Fort Site Tarangambadi,
Museum Nagapattinam
District
2. Under Sea Poompuhar,
Archaeological Site Nagapattinam
Museum District
3. Gangaikondacholap Gangaikondacholap
uram Site Museum uram Ariyalur
District

4. Ramalinga Vilasam Ramanathapuram

Site Museum Ramanathapuram
District
5. Arcot Site Museum Arcot, Vellore
District
6. Pre-Historic Site Poondi, Tiruvallur
Museum District
7. Tirumalai Nayakar Madurai, Madurai
Mahal Site Museum District
8. Rajarajan Site Thanjavur,
Museum Thanjavur District
9. Mahratta Site Thanjavur,
Museum Thanjavur District
10. Karur Site Museum Karur, Karur District
 90

S.
Site Museums Place / District
No.
11. Coimbatore Site Coimbatore,
Museum Coimbatore District

12. Courtalam Site Courtalam,

Museum Tirunelveli District

13. Tirukovilur Site Tirukovilur,

Museum Villupuram District
14. Dharmapuri Site Dharmapuri,
Museum Dharmapuri District

EPIGRAPHY

Another primary function of the Archaeology

Department is to copy, decipher, read, edit and
publish inscriptions. So far 24,060 Inscriptions
have been copied in 26 districts out of 32 districts.
Presently, the campaign to copy inscriptions, make
estampages and decipher is in progress in the
districts of Salem and Sivagangai. So far, 14,200
inscriptions have been deciphered by the
Epigraphists of this department, out of which 6113
inscriptions were published in 42 Volumes. Till
date, the department has digitized 10,000
estampages.
 91

An Institute of Epigraphy has been

functioning at the Chennai head office since 1974.
It conducts one year Post-Graduate Diploma
Course in Epigraphy and Archaeology for 8
students. A sum of Rs.2,000/- is paid as stipend to
each student every month. So far, 208 students
have received Post-Graduate Diploma in this
Institute.

PUBLICATION

An exclusive department press is

functioning to bring out books in Tamil and English
on Epigraphy, Monuments, Excavation Reports,
District Archaeological Guide books, Museum
Guide books and Temple Monographs. 261 books
have been published so far. A quarterly journal
"Kalvettu" is also published.

PHOTOGRAPHY

The photographers of this department

document various temples, sculptures, murals and
antiquities. Whenever an excavation is
undertaken, the stages of excavation and the
 92

details of excavated sites are well documented

with adequate photographs. The conservation
work of monuments are also photographed and
documented (Before-After Conservation).

CHEMICAL CONSERVATION

The chemical conservation section was

established in Chennai and Madurai to chemically
conserve the antiques brought to light from
excavations before display in the respective
archaeological site museums. Later on, its
services were extended to carry out chemical
conservation works in monuments. The chemical
conservation works are carried out with the funds
provided under Maintenance works and Grant
from the Finance Commissions in co-ordination
with the conservation section.

REGISTRATION OF ANTIQUITIES

The Government of India have enacted "The

Antiquities and Art Treasures Act 1972" in order to
curb the smuggling of Art Treasures from India. To
enforce this Act effectively, two Registering offices
 93

- one at Chennai and another at Tiruchirappalli are

functioning. The Government of India meets out
the entire expenditure of this scheme. This
scheme is being implemented in Tamil Nadu from
the year 1974. Till date 43,839 antiquities have
been registered and certificates were issued in
Tamil Nadu while 2,671 objects were identified as
non-antiquities. This section also helps the idol
wing of Bureau of Economic Offences in identifying
the stolen idols. It is a matter of pride that Tamil
Nadu stands first in the country in issuing
registration certificates.

GOVERNMENT ORIENTAL MANUSCRIPTS

LIBRARY AND RESEARCH CENTRE
[GOML & RC]

The prestigious "Government Oriental

Manuscripts Library and Research Centre" is
functioning in the campus of University of Madras
under the control of this Department. It can be
compared to the ancient library at Alexandra. This
excellent resource centre for undertaking research
leading to Ph.D was started in 1869. It has more
than 72,748 rare manuscripts and 25,373
 94

reference books in various subjects like

Mathematics, Astronomy, Siddha, Ayurveda,
Unani, Vedas, Agama, Architecture, Music, Fine
Arts and History. It has a large collection of books
in various languages like Tamil, Sanskrit, Marathi,
Urdu, Arabic and Persian.

During the year 2012-2013, funds for the

infrastructure development of Government
Oriental Manuscripts Library and Research Centre
in the premises of the University of Madras to the
tune of Rs.119.32 Lakhs was sanctioned and the
work is entrusted to the Public Works Department.
The work is nearing completion.

In the year 2012-2013, a special sanction of

Rs. 3.54 crores was issued for the implementation
of the Micro filming of rare Manuscripts of
Government Oriental Manuscripts Library and
Research Centre. The work is entrusted to ELCOT
and it is in progress.

MANUSCRIPT RESOURCE CENTRE - MRC

"The National Mission for Manuscripts"

(NMM) in New Delhi is engaged in the process of
 95

collecting all the manuscripts available in India

and it has recognized the Government Oriental
Manuscripts Library in Chennai under the control
of the Archaeology Department as "Manuscripts
Resource Centre" (MRC) for collecting the
manuscripts in the State of Tamil Nadu and listing
the manuscripts for conversion into compact disc
(digital) form. The work is in progress.

The National Mission for Manuscripts, New

Delhi has allocated a sum of Rs.15.00 Lakhs for
this purpose to the Government Oriental
Manuscripts Library, of which a sum of Rs. 14.61
Lakhs has been released in four instalments.

Till date 22,750 manuscripts have been

digitized in Electronic form and the same has been
sent to the National Mission for Manuscripts, New
Delhi. In this process, the details of the
manuscripts about Tamil culture, Astronomy etc
have been documented and preserved.

HERITAGE PROTECTION MEASURES

It has also been proposed to bring out

Legislation for the enactment of
 96

“The Mamallapuram World Heritage Area

Management Authority Act" in order to
conserve the cultural heritage of Mamallapuram
World Heritage Area Management Authority.

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE

ARCHAEOLOGY DEPARTMENT DURING
2012-2013

 A sum of Rs.21.00 Lakhs has been

sanctioned for the modernization of
departmental publications by converting
rare negatives and slides into digitized photo
prints. Digital publication of printed books
and publication of a book on "Antiquities
registered in Tamil Nadu" is being done.

 A sum of Rs.1.80 Lakhs has been sanctioned

for the publication of the books on Epigraphy
- Tamil Nadu Inscriptions Vol - IV,
Pullamangai Monograph and Tirumukkudal
Monograph. They were published.

 A sum of Rs.1.70 Lakhs has been sanctioned

for the purchase of chemicals and binding
materials for the preservation of
 97

Manuscripts in Government Oriental

Manuscripts Library and Research Centre.
The amount has been spent.

 A sum of Rs.0.50 Lakhs has been sanctioned

for the purchase of chemicals for the
Madurai Laboratory for the preservation of
art objects. The amount has been spent.

 A sum of Rs.1.50 Lakhs has been sanctioned

for the purchase of furniture to the library
for the visitors to sit and read for longer
hours through TANSI. The amount has been
spent.

 A sum of Rs.35.00 Lakhs has been

sanctioned for the construction of Marine
Archaeological Museum building [Spill over
work] at Poompuhar in Sirkazhi Taluk of
Nagapattinam District. The work is under
progress by the PWD.

 Discretionary Fund has been sanctioned

every year from the visitors fee of the
 98

Archaeological Department for the proper

maintenance of protected monuments, their
upkeep, improve the Archaeological Site
Museums and to carry out educational
activities of the department. A sum of
Rs.10.00 Lakhs has been sanctioned as the
Discretionary Fund from the year
2011-2012 onwards. The amount has been
spent.

 Under Registration of Antiquities scheme,

489 art objects have been registered and
certificates have been issued.

 10,000 pages of Tamil Palm leaf manuscripts

were digitized and documented in
Government Oriental Manuscripts Library
and Research Centre.

NEW SCHEMES

The following schemes will be implemented

under Part II Schemes during the year
2013-2014:-
 99

S.
Works Details Rs. in Lakhs
No.

1. Conservation of 24.00
Protected Monuments

Providing chain link

fencing, lighting
arrangements construction
of toilet, drinking water
facilities, and landscaping
at Chinnayankulam,
Chinnayampettai Village,
Chengam Taluk of
Tiruvannamalai District.

2. Publication of Epigraphy 1.10

Book

To publish the collections of

200 Inscriptions as Tamil
Nadu Inscription Vol -V

3. Purchase of Binding 1.50

Materials and Chemicals

Purchase of Chemicals and

Binding Materials for the
preservation of Manuscripts
in Government Oriental
Manuscripts Library and
Research Centre.
 100

S.
Works Details Rs. in Lakhs
No.

4. Purchase of four 2.00

Computers
Purchase for administration
and for conservation wing.

5. Excavation Work 2.00

In and around Srirangam,
Srirangam Taluk of Trichy
District a historic place.

6. Conservation of 25.00
Swasthik Well
Providing cut stone flooring
with soak pit at inner
fencing of Swasthik well at
Tiruvellarai in Lalgudi Taluk
of Tiruchirapalli District.

7. Conservation of Manora 12.00

Memorial Pillar
Providing Lightning
Conductor & conservation
works to Manora at
Sarabendrarajapattinam in
Pattukottai Taluk of
Thanjavur District.
 101

S.
Works Details Rs. in Lakhs
No.

8. Making the Models of 10.00

Monuments
Making about 5
Monuments models to
showcase them in the site
museums for the benefit of
the general public.
Total 77.60

CONCLUSION

Archaeology, a multi disciplinary science,

reveals the heritage of a region with authentic
evidence that is collected through explorations
and excavations. Archaeological findings are
helpful to reconstruct the history and pre-history
of a particular region. The invaluable antiquities
unearthed from the excavations expose the
maritime trade and cultural contacts with the other
states and overseas lands in ancient times. In
addition, the archaeological monuments reflect
the art and architectural splendour and
engineering skills of our ancestors. In the task of
 102

preserving the heritage of Tamil Nadu, the

Department of Archaeology has been carrying out
various schemes for revealing the political, social
and cultural conditions that prevailed in ancient
Tamil Nadu.

"Those who do not learn from history are

doomed to repeat it" - George Santayana.

We should strive to learn the right lessons

from the study of history through the material
evidence accumulated by archaeology.

DR. VAIGAICHELVAN
Minister for School Education,
Sports and Youth Welfare