Bharathiar Memorial Museum cum Research Centre
| Place | Puducherry |
|---|---|
| State | Puducherry |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1972 |
| Museum Type | Literary, Personalia, and Research Centre |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | 20, Eswaren Dharmaraja Koil Street, Pondicherry, 605001. |
| Visiting Time | 09:40 AM to 01:00 PM & 02:00 PM to 05:20 PM (Closed on Mondays) |
| Entry Fee | Free Entry |
Museum Introduction
The museum is located at No. 20, Eswaran Dharmaraja Koil Street, Puducherry. It was inaugurated in 1972 after the Government of Puducherry acquired the house where Bharathi took refuge from British arrest. It was here that he composed his most famous works, including Panchali Sabatham, Kuyil Pattu, and Kannan Pattu. The building is a Grade-I heritage structure.
General Collections
The museum houses a vast collection of over 17,000 manuscripts, rare photographs, and personal effects. It is divided into three main rooms: the first features his associates and influences; the second displays journals he edited (like India and Vijaya); and the third contains family portraits and personal relics.
Unique Historical Collections
The Poet’s Creative Sanctuary: The museum uniquely preserves the original handwritten manuscripts of his masterpieces. It also holds the first editions of his books published since 1908 and rare photographs of his political associates like Sri Aurobindo and V.O. Chidambaram Pillai.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | The building reflects a unique blend of French colonial and traditional Tamil architecture (featuring a thinnai or porch). It underwent a major restoration in recent years to preserve the Madras terrace roofing and traditional lime-plastered walls. |
| Artifacts | Original manuscripts of Kuyil Pattu; Letters written to freedom fighters; Rare copies of the journal India; Family tree chart; Oil paintings of the poet; Photographs of his wife Chellamma and daughters; A collection of his walking stick and personal stationery. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 413-2336203 (Dept. of Art & Culture) |
| Email ID | art.pon@nic.in |