Thoda museum in Kozhikode, a treasure trove of indigenous artefacts, reopens

Bathery: Noolpuzha panchayat has reopened the ‘Thoda’ museum that houses an expansive collection of indigenous artefacts as well as the traditional agriculture tools of the migrant farmers in the region. The renovated museum is open to the public now.

Thoda museum allows the visitors and the new generation to peek into the unique agricultural history and the rich indigenous culture of Wayanad. Besides the agriculture tools and weapons, ornaments, clothes, various art forms, musical instruments and utensils too are displayed here. 

Dr. Joshy Mathew, head of the department of history at the Pazhassiraja College conducted a seminar on the topic ‘The Role of Museums in the Conservation of Indigenous Heritage’, as part of the inaugural event. Meanwhile, Dr KS Suja of Government College presented a research paper on ‘Heritage of Mulluvakurumar’ and Dr Anoop Thankachan head of the department of history at Government College, Kalpetta presented the paper under the title ‘Tribal Heritage and the Society of Wayanad’. Besides, Dr Neena Thomas of St. Mary’s College presented a research paper highlighting the significance of indigenous cultural heritage in the modern era. 

More than 200 artefacts are exhibited in the museum. P Kabir who is a WMO instructor at Muttil is the museum curator. Meanwhile, the research activities are coordinated by an academic advisory committee headed by Dr T Muhammadali, former head of the department of history at Farook College in Kozhikode. 

The entry fee is ₹30 per head for adults and ₹10 for children. The renovated museum was inaugurated by IC Balakrishnan MLA. Cheruvayal Raman who collects and conserves indigenous paddy seeds was the chief guest. National film award winner MK Ramdas, national award winner Harikrishnan as well as the families that contributed artefacts to the museum were felicitated at the event.