Nagapattinam Government Museum remains shut for over two years

The prolonged closure of the Nagapattinam Government Museum, functioning under the Department of Museums, for over two years has caused concern among residents, students, and history enthusiasts.

Established in 1999, the museum functioned until December 2023 from a temporary building near the Customs office along the Silver Beach Road. The construction of the Akkaraipettai overbridge, however, necessitated the demolition of the ageing structure, prompting authorities to shift the artefacts in phases to the old Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) office building. The relocation of the entire collection was completed by March 2024, after which the museum was shut to the public.

Official sources said the closure was unavoidable as the old RDO building developed serious structural issues, with portions of the structure peeling off and posing safety risks. Renovation work was subsequently taken up by the Public Works Department in 2024. While civil works on the ground floor have been completed, the reopening has been delayed due to pending work on the first floor, including the construction of toilets — a requirement insisted upon by the Department of Museums. Despite allocation of funds, the museum has remained inaccessible for an extended period.

The prolonged closure has meant that nearly 900 artefacts remain out of public view. The museum’s collection is regarded as one of the most significant district-level repositories of heritage in the Cauvery delta region. It includes Iron Age artefacts that offer insights into early human habitation in and around Nagapattinam, black-and-red ware pottery, burial urns (muthumakkal thazhi) with skeletal remains, Pallava-period stone sculptures, palm-leaf inscriptions, graffiti symbols comparable to those found at Keeladi, ancient iron weapons, and an extensive numismatic collection spanning early historic periods through the Chola era and into Dutch and British rule.

One of the museum’s major attractions is its maritime and coastal heritage gallery, reflecting Nagapattinam’s long association with seafaring trade. The collection includes sea-shore artefacts and rare zoological exhibits, notably a 31-foot baleen whale skeleton and remains of other marine mammals recovered along the coast.

The galleries were curated to present Nagapattinam “through the ages”, with sections dedicated to the Chola period, the town’s prominence as a port city, and the later Dutch and British presence. Separate galleries focus on Buddhism and Jainism, underscoring Nagapattinam’s role as a key religious and cultural centre in early Tamil history. Other sections highlight the district’s biodiversity, with displays on local flora and fauna, including nearly 50 traditional paddy varieties, as well as exhibits on vessels, tools, and everyday objects that trace the evolution of life and livelihood in the coastal belt.

Though closed to visitors, officials said efforts were being made to sustain public engagement. Artefacts and photographs are being taken to schools and colleges for exhibitions during important days and special programmes, ensuring that educational outreach continues in a limited form.

When The Hindu contacted a senior official in the Nagapattinam district administration, said the matter would be looked into.