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Sri Lanka: One Island Two Nations
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Thursday, January 30, 2020
Jaffna unveils 'first ever museum' celebrating Tamil culture and heritage
A museum showcasing and celebrating aspects of Tamil history and culture
has been opened in Navatkuli, Jaffna – making it the first time in
history that a museum of its kind has been built on the island.
28 January 2020
After several years in the works, the Sivapoomi Museum was opened to the public by the Sivapoomi Trust on Saturday afternoon.
A range of traditional vehicles used by ancient Tamil societies were exhibited, including different types of chariots and carts.
At least 17 cars produced before the 1950’s were showcased, with the
“Thaddi van” – which was introduced to Jaffna before the second world
war, also among the vehicles used for transport historically in Jaffna
on display.
Members of the public were invited to take part in the opening ceremony
celebrating aspects of Tamil culture, history and heritage. The ceremony
involved the unveiling of the name board, the foundation stone, Saiva
shrines and the Museum’s gate.
Academics from the University of Jaffna unveiled statues of illustrious and well-known Tamil kings of the Jaffna Kingdoms.
The museum spans over 12 acres of land and is built across three levels
of buildings. It features statues of the 21 kings who ruled the Jaffna
kingdom, including King Cankili II, with all the statues displaying the
name and the years of their rule.
The first floor features objects related to the heritage of the Tamils
and Tamil culture in Jaffna. These include brass plates, various coins
(pre- and post-British colonial rule), old clocks and other antique
objects.
The second floor features renowned Tamil Eelam scholars, pandits,
philosophers and founders of educational establishments as well as
documenting footage of religious and cultural events that occurred
historically in Jaffna. This includes footage of events from Nallur
Kandaswamy Temple, Keerimalai Naguleswaram Temple, Koneswaram Temple and
Munneswaram Temple.
First issue newspaper articles from as early as pre-1800’s that were
published in Jaffna, are presented with the front pages on display. An
estimated 3,000 photos of Jaffna’s historical landmarks are displayed on
the second floor of the museum.
The third floor contains an exhibition of fine art portrayals of Tamil
culture and heritage, created by students at the Jaffna University.
