Government Museum, Tiruchirappalli, Heritage centre in Chokkanatha Nayak Palace, Tiruchirappalli, India
The Government Museum sits within the Chokkanatha Nayak Palace and holds thousands of objects collected over many decades. Inside are ancient sculptures, pottery, stone carvings, and other items that show the region's past across different time periods.
The museum opened in 1983 and uses a hall that once served as a seat of power for Madurai Nayak rulers. The palace building itself dates back centuries and played a key role in the region's governance during the medieval period.
Stone carvings of Buddha, Mahavira, and Vishnu are displayed throughout the halls, reflecting the religious traditions that shaped the region. These sculptures show how different faiths left their mark on local art and worship practices.
The museum is near Chatram bus station and easy to reach by local transport. Comfortable shoes are helpful since the collections spread across multiple rooms and outdoor spaces.
An outdoor sculpture garden holds carved stone windows and panels with Tamil writing from nearby villages. These pieces were brought together to show the different artistic styles that existed across the region.
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