Culture icon set for image makeover

Mysore, June 10 (UNI) The Union Government has sanctioned Rs 44.40 lakh for the conversion of the century-old Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, a heritage structure and a crown jewel in the city's culture circuit, into a museum complex.

University of Mysore sources told UNI the proposal was sent to the government some time back and Rs 33.30 lakh had already been released in the first instalment.

According to project proposal, University of Mysore should release 20 per cent by way of matching grants for the project.

The funds would be used for embellishment and renovation of the structure which was restored to its former glory with financial assistance from Infosys Foundation seven years ago.

The university had commenced the process of converting the mansion into a museum complex. Priceless collection of artifacts, some of them dating back to at least 800 years, had been given a fresh lease of life and displayed in the galleries.

The exhibits include numismatic collections including rate gold coins dating back to the Gupta Period and ancient artifacts besides those depicting the folk culture of Karnataka.

Reckoned to be the first university in the country to have museum complex, Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion already houses an archaeological museum apart from the folklore museum, while a gallery dedicated to Kannada literature is in the process of being completed.

The University purchased the mansion and the nearly 300 acre land surrounding it for Rs ten lakh in December 1959, to establish the post graduate campus of Manasagangothri.

Subsequently, the exquisite mansion fell into disuse and was on the verge of a collapse when the Infosys Foundation funded its restoration by sanctioning Rs 1.17 crore.

University sources said that the mansion was a masterpiece and an architect's delight with 125 rooms, 300 windows and 287 exquisitely carved doors.

The building is over 100 years old and is one of the five palaces constructed at the behest of the then Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar of Mysore Royal Family.

The entire structure was originally constructed using brick and mortar and the format of the building was not altered during restoration work.

More then 15,000 internationally acclaimed items from Department of Geology would be displayed in the museum.

It would also offer research facilities for students of architecture. The building itself had been built incorporating Hindu, Islam and European architectural styles.

The museum would also depict the history of the University of Mysore, one of the oldest in the country, besides offering space to hold photo and painting exhibitions.

UNI