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US Mission in India funds conservation of Mysuru museum
The conservation efforts are being funded through the U.S. government’s Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).
U.S. Consul General Chennai Christopher Hodges, University of Mysore Vice Chancellor Prof. N.K. Lokanath, and Deccan Heritage Foundation India Chairperson Ambassador Latha Reddy. / Image - US Embassy in India
The U.S. Mission in India, along with its implementing partner, the University of Mysore, on January 4 officially announced U.S.-funded conservation efforts for the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion Folklore Museum in Karnataka.
The initiative is being financed through the U.S. government’s Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) to support the conservation of the West Wing of the museum building and over 6,500 artifacts from various regions of Karnataka.
The University of Mysore is collaborating with the Deccan Heritage Foundation to spearhead the restoration and conservation initiatives, with an anticipated completion date in 2025.
Announcing the AFCP grant to the University of Mysore, Christopher W. Hodges, U.S. Consul General Chennai, said, “The conservation project at the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion Folklore Museum is yet another testament to America’s friendship and respect for the people of India and its rich cultural heritage. Once completed, I know the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion and Folklore Museum will continue to delight future generations of Indians and international visitors.”
He added, “Widespread community engagement is at the heart of all of our AFCP projects. The U.S. Mission India AFCP grant of $300,000 to the University of Mysore is the second-largest AFCP grant awarded in India in the last twenty years. The AFCP project in Mysuru will bring together conservation and museum experts, architects and designers, and skilled craftspeople – all with a shared passion for preserving and protecting India’s cultural heritage in Karnataka.”
Situated within the University of Mysore campus, the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion was constructed in 1905 as the residence for Maharajkumari Jayalakshammani, the eldest daughter of Mysore Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar X. The grand structure is designed in the European Classical style, featuring four wings.
In 1959, the University of Mysore acquired the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion and its surrounding land to become part of the expansive Manasa Gangothri campus, during the tenure of K.V. Puttappa, also known as Kuvempu, who served as the Vice-Chancellor. The Museum of Folklore was established by Dr. Javaregowda in 1969.
The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation is a significant cultural initiative of the U.S. government abroad. Over the past two decades, the United States has collaborated with India on 24 AFCP projects, amounting to over $2.7 million.
These projects encompass the preservation of notable sites such as the Sunderwala Burj, Batashewala Mughal Tomb Complex, and the Arab Serai Complex Gateway within the UNESCO World Heritage site Humayun’s Tomb in the Indian capital city of New Delhi.
Other initiatives include recording and transcribing endangered folk music of western Rajasthan’s Langa and Manganiyar communities, as well as the preservation of palm leaf manuscripts and rare books at the United Theological College in Bengaluru. Through AFCP, the United States showcases its commitment to preserving cultural heritage globally, demonstrating respect for diverse cultures.
Professor N.K. Lokanath, the vice chancellor of the University of Mysore, said, “The restored Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion Folklore Museum will not only add to the tourist attractions of Mysuru but will serve as a center for research and higher learning for scholars focused on ethnographic traditions of Karnataka.”
The University of Mysore previously received a grant from the U.S. Consulate General Chennai in 2012 for the conservation of the Oriental Research Institute (ORI) and its invaluable collection of 40,000 ancient palm leaf manuscripts and books. The restoration efforts resulted in the inauguration of the renovated ORI building in 2015, with former U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma participating in the inauguration ceremony.
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