Mysore: Work on restoration and conservation of the 300 year old bungalow that belonged to Diwan of Mysore, Poornaiah in Yelandur, Chamarajnagar is nearing completion and the Department of Heritage, Archaeology and Museums (DHAM) , which has spent Rs 180 lakh on the project, plans to maintain it as a museum showcasing his life and contributions.
The two storied bungalow, a declared heritage monument, was taken on a 33 year lease from the family of Diwan Poornaiah for carrying out the restoration work.
The department is in the process of collecting artefacts and other things that belonged to Diwan Poornaiah for display to the public at the bungalow, reveals DHAM Commissioner, Dr C. G. Betsurmath.
The bungalow was crying out for repair as it had developed a crack from the top to the bottom at its very centre , dividing it into two equal halves. An outhouse behind the bungalow was also dilapidated with rain seeping in from the roof.
The DHAM drew up a plan to restore it without harming the main structure, in three stages under the guidance of a technical committee led by former engineering chief, Ashwath Narayan.
