Museum in Tamil Nadu showcases tribal lifestyle

Palada (Tamil Nadu), Sep 3 (ANI): A museum in Tamil Nadu's Palada district provides an insight into the life of tribal communities living in Nilgiri Hills as it displays traditional tribal weapons, utensils, musical instruments, jewellery and costumes.

The museum, established in 1983, is funded by the State Government to conserve and protect testimonies of tribal life.

"In this museum we have various items used by tribals in ancient time. In the Nilgiris area, there are six tribal communities living here. They include Todas, Kothars, Kurumbars, Irulars, Panayars and Kattu Naickers. We have displayed the various items, weapons and medicines used by these tribes," said Murugan, Curator, Tribal Museum, Palada.

Tourists and other visitors, including researchers in anthropology have said that the museum has enhanced their knowledge about tribal culture, festivals and allied traditions.

"This museum is very important to us for taking records in the college and schools and I have seen this only in this place. Wherever (else) I went, I have not seen like such instruments. It's very useful for me also," said Mohana Nandini, a student of anthropology.

Another visitor Minu Darshini said that the 'tour' of the museum was enriching, as she got to know more about the lifestyle of the tribals.

"I had read about tribals and their way of life only in books.

But, here I can see for myself how actually they lived, the kind of equipment and weapons they used for hunting animals. It's really nice and beautiful," said Minu. (ANI)