Porunai Archaeological Museum will give unforgettable immersive experience, says Minister

The ‘Porunai Archaeological Museum’ will give an unforgettable immersive experience to the visitors about the ancient Tamils’ civilization, rich culture, their trade relations with foreign countries etc., Minister for Public Works Department E.V. Velu has said.

After inspecting the museum on Monday, Mr. Velu said foundation stone to construct ‘Pournai Archaeological Museum’ was laid on May 18, 2023 for showcasing the artefacts excavated at Aditchanallur, Sivakalai and Korkai, all ancient Tamil civilisation sites, at the cost of ₹56.36 crore. An advantageously located 13.20 acres of land near Reddiyarpatti Hillock on the Kanniyakumari – Kashmir 4-lane national highway has been hand-picked for this facility built with 54,000 square feet by the Public Works Department.

While the artefacts excavated at Aditchanallur and Korkai will be showcased in two blocks each, the Sivakalai artefacts will be showcased in one block. In addition to this, administrative block and sanitary blocks have also been built. To add more colour to this premises, lawns, fountains, ornamental lights, roads etc. have been created.

“We’ve completed 97% of the works and the remaining 3% works on installing the showcases for artefacts and painting are going on. The pending works will be completed within two or three days and hence the museum will be ready for inauguration by the Chief Minister on December 21,” Mr. Velu said.

Besides displaying the artefacts in unique fashion, the two theatres of the museum will give immersive experience to the visitors.

“We wanted to give new exhilarating experience to the visitors with most-modern technologies, which will enliven back on screen ancient Tamil culture. It will tell you the challenges of Korkai’s pearl fishery, the export of precious pearls to the markets of Rome, Aditchanallur’s 5,000-year-old iron age etc. Even a person who doesn’t know anything about ancient Tamil civilization and culture can easily understand its ancientness, richness and beauty, thanks to modern technologies. The audience will get immersed and will get encouraged to visit again,” Mr. Velu said adding that proper connectivity from the bus-stands of Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai would be ensured for hassle-free commuting of the visitors.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu, Finance Secretary T. Udhayachandran and District Collector R. Sukumar accompanied the minister.

Earlier, it had been announced that Mr. Stalin would inaugurate the museum on December 20. Since the final touches consume more time, the Chief Minister will participate in the Christmas celebrations on December 20 and inaugurate the ‘Porunai Archaeological Museum’ on December 21.

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