Janapada Loka
| Place | Doddamannugudde Forest |
|---|---|
| State | Karnataka |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1994 |
| Museum Type | Folk Art / Ethnographic / Open-air |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | State Highway 17, Bengaluru, Doddamannugudde Forest, Karnataka 562159 |
| Visiting Time | 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays and National Holidays) |
| Entry Fee | Indians: ₹100 Foreigners: ₹200 Children: ₹50 Photography: ₹100 |
Museum Introduction
Founded in 1994 by prominent folklorist H.L. Nage Gowda, Janapada Loka (translated as 'Folk Cosmos') is a 15-acre open-air museum dedicated to preserving the folk heritage of Karnataka. Located on the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway, it recreates rural milieus and serves as a living laboratory for folk literature, music, and lifestyle.
General Collections
The museum houses over 5,000 artifacts across multiple wings, including ancient hunting equipment, old agricultural tools, traditional household wares, musical instruments, and shadows puppets that are approximately 500 years old.
Unique Historical Collections
Features the Loka Mahal, a two-story building displaying large Garudi dolls used in ceremonial dance processions and life-size models of folk dancers. The Lokamatha Mandira houses a massive grinding stone formerly operated by two buffaloes for marriage celebrations.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | The entrance gate is a significant artifact in itself, featuring brass trumpets and Harige (flags of Nandi) on its pillars. The campus includes a "Saraswathi Mandira" for student workshops and a "Doddamane" built in traditional rural architecture. |
| Artifacts | Yakshagana masks, Chau masks, ancient hand-looms, traditional stone and wood storage jars, terracotta artifacts, and medieval stone sculptures in the Shilamala yard. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 80 2360 5033 |
| Email ID | info@jaanapadaloka.org |