Charitra Malika on verge of closure

Thiruvananthapuram: A man who started a private museum in Neyyatinkara which reflects the history and culture of 16th century Travancore finds it difficult to continue his exhibition for students due to the high expense involved. Mr Abhilash Kumar, a history enthusiast started Charitra Malika at Amaravilla about one year ago after spending a large amount of money, which he did not want to disclose, even selling some parts of his property, Mr Kumar said.

Mr Kumar told DC that at present; around 500 students from various schools from different parts of the state had been visiting the museum daily.  This was after the general education department issued an order allowing the students to visit the place for study purposes, Mr Kumar said.

The general education department allowed the museum to collect '25 from each student for the exhibition. Around 17 employees including guides were needed for catering to the needs of these students. But this involved a cost more than that collected through the nominal fee, Mr Kumar pointed out.

“The Malika is an 18,800 sq ft building, built in 1629 by the Travancore family. The number 64 occupied a significant position in Travancore history. The historic monuments exhibited here include 64 kinds of art and 64 medicinal forms, following the Sidha tradition, Mr Kumar said.

The key concept of the Malika which Mr Kumar procured from Thakala in Kanyakumari district was replanted at Amaravilla. The building was built according to the concept of the three worlds. There was an underground chamber like Pathalam below the earth, the ground level Bhoomi structure and the Akasha structure above it, Mr Kumar said.