Chennai 14-09-2026: A visit to DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum offered a fascinating glimpse into the rich and diverse cultural traditions of South India, bringing together traditional architecture, crafts, performing arts, lifestyles and social history.
The visit was part of a media tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), providing journalists an opportunity to explore one of Chennai’s prominent centres of cultural heritage. Among the visiting journalists was Binyamin Shora, of Daily Roshni.
Located at Muttukadu along the East Coast Road, DakshinaChitra is a living museum dedicated to preserving and presenting the cultural heritage of South India. Its campus features traditional houses representing different regions and communities, reconstructed using traditional methods and craftsmanship.
The visit took the journalists through a remarkable collection of traditional homes, kitchens, pottery and terracotta work, weaving traditions, religious art and folk performances.
One of the highlights was the Kanchipuram sari exhibition, which showcased the history and craftsmanship behind the region’s famous silk-weaving tradition, including its distinctive borders, rich colours, traditional motifs and intricate gold work.
The Kerala section presented glimpses of the region’s social and cultural history, including exhibitions on Malabar’s historic trade, Nambudiri Brahmins, the Nair community and traditional matrilineal practices.
A traditional Brahmin House from Ambur village in Tirunelveli district offered an insight into the architectural design and everyday life of an earlier era. Its traditional kitchen, hearths, vessels and household spaces reflected how homes were closely connected with daily activities and local surroundings.
The journalists were guided through the traditional houses and exhibits by Lakuma, Curator at DakshinaChitra, who explained the historical background, architectural features and social practices associated with the exhibits. Her detailed narration provided the delegation with a deeper understanding of the traditions represented at the museum.
The museum also houses a Gallery of Religious Art, highlighting the influence of religion and patronage on Tamil artistic traditions through woodwork, bronze, stone and paintings.
The visiting journalists also witnessed a vibrant traditional Karagattam performance, showcasing the colour, rhythm and energy of Tamil Nadu’s folk culture.
Alongside traditional heritage, DakshinaChitra also presents contemporary works addressing modern environmental concerns. Exhibitions such as “Ghost in the Shell” and “The Ocean’s Gifts” explore marine ecosystems, ocean resources and the importance of protecting coastal environments.
During the visit, the journalists also interacted with Sharath Nambiar, Director of DakshinaChitra, who shared insights into the museum’s efforts to preserve, promote and present the diverse cultural traditions of South India.
The visit provided an enriching perspective on how India’s tangible and intangible heritage can be preserved and presented in a manner that connects the past with the present.
Binyamin Shora said the visit was an insightful experience, particularly because DakshinaChitra goes beyond displaying artefacts and recreates the spaces, traditions and artistic practices that shaped everyday life across South India.
