Janapada Loka. The dream child of folklorist the late H L Nagegowda, the place is now a 14 year-old adolescent, attracting hordes of visitors to its 15-acre-home situated on the Bangalore-Mysore State Highway. Janapada Loka is now on its way to become a world class museum.
The three circular buildings – Lokamata Mandira, Chitrakuteera and Loka Mahal – all house artefacts showcasing the lifestyle of our folks earlier. Now, Lokamata Mandira has embraced modernity. The modernisation drive was kick-started, thanks to a donation made by a donor to the Karnataka Janapada Parishat, that maintains Janapada Loka. The Bangalore-based Jackfruit Research and Design Private Limited has, in collaboration with architects and research scholars, transformed the place into a national level museum.
Kitchen implements and other household items, agriculture and animal husbandry equipment used by our rural folks are all categorised and attractively displayed alongside antique items. Information including the names of each artefact is given in English, doing away with the need for guides.
Cow bells, grindstone, gorabe (a cloak made of leaves and grass), gotta (a bamboo tube used to administer medicine and food to cattle), stone vessels including saarina marige and patalagaradi, bamboo baskets, ring to support vessels, rat and boar traps, a single balance, a ladle made of coconut shell, cradles... the list of artefacts on display is endless. These artefacts provide a glimpse of the erstwhile Rural Karnataka.
Modern lighting system and the manner of display gives one a feeling of being inside a brand new showroom. Earlier, these items were all piled up in a corner while grass mats divided the area into rooms. Now, these items are set in consonance with the circular shape of the building, facilitating better viewing. New style showcase space adorns the short and small walls. And credit must go to Dr Kuruva Basavaraj, another folklorist who worked with Nagegowda.
According to Indira Balakrishna, daughter of Nagegowda and founder trustee of the Parishat, government aid is very little. She plans to develop Chitrakuteera and Loka Mahal into world class museums as well. With the government promising to build a museum at the cost of Rs one crore, many items stored in the godown will also see the light of the day, she feels.
Rural artefacts have their own significance. They are the silent indicators of the complementary lifestyle of the rural folk to our daily life, showcasing their scientific temperament, environment protection and concern towards general well-being and health. There is a need to preserve these artefacts for posterity, feels Dr Annapoorna Garimella of Jackfruit.
Those willing to part with their priceless antique pieces may donate the same to Janapada Loka (contact 080-7201143). Donations attract Income Tax rebate as well. Janapada Loka is closed on Tuesdays.
Translated by B S Srivani
