DakshinaChitra

DakshinaChitra

DakshinaChitra is a center for the living traditions of art, folk performing arts, craft and architecture of India with an emphasis on the traditions of South India. A project of the Madras Craft Foundation (MCF), a non-profit organisation. DakshinaChitra opened to the public in December 1996. The center occupies ten undulating acres overlooking the Bay of Bengal, at Muttukadu, twenty five kilometers south of Chennai, on the East Coast Road to Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, and India.

History

It started effort to bring the hidden wealth of South India to lightto set up an institution to celebrate the myriad cultures of the numerous people of Southern India. In an era when the old and traditional are vulnerable and challenged, this nucleus of an idea triggered a cultural journey.

Inspired by the artisans and fold artists of the villages, Dr. Deborah Thiagrajan, set out to form the Madras Craft Foundation (MCF) in 1984.

Madras Craft Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization and DakshinaChitra was conceived as its main project. With the support of like-minded board members and volunteers and financial support from the Madras community, Dr. Thiagarajan and all others associated with MCF pursued the dream with perseverance and determination.

MCF received a Ford Foundation grant for research and education in 1988, a long lease of land from the Government of Tamilnadu came in 1991, followed by grants from the Development Commissioner Handicrafts (Government of India), for the building of DakshinaChitra. Matching donations came from industry. The center slowly became a reality and opened to the public in December, 1996.

Laurie Baker - the renowned architect, graciously donated his services to the foundation. The spatial conceptualization at DakshinaChitra and his building techniques and process breathe his philosophy of empowering masons and craftspeople in the building process. Architect Benny Kuriakose who designed the public buildings and supervises the conservation and reconstruction of the heritage buildings, has also provided continued service in the construction and conservation of the center.

Today DakshinaChitra successfully showcases the rich cultural heritage of South India. It reflects the beauty, traditions, innovations and the continuing evolution of South Indian arts and culture.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать курсовую

Look at other dictionaries:

  • East Coast Road — (ECR) is an express highway built along the coast of the Bay of Bengal connecting Chennai to Cuddalore via Pondicherry. A trip along the East Coast Road gives rise to a spectacular scenic beauty with beaches and fishermen hamlets.HistoryPrior to… …   Wikipedia

  • Adiperukku — is a unique Tamil festival celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Adi (mid July). The festival coincides with the annual freshes of the rivers and to pay tribute to water s life sustaining properties.For the blessing of mankind with… …   Wikipedia

  • Tourism in Chennai — MGR Samadhi in Marina Beach With its historic landmarks and buildings, long sandy beaches, cultural and art centers and parks, Chennai s tourism offers many interesting locations to visitors. One of the most important tourist attraction of… …   Wikipedia

  • Chennai — Madras redirects here. For other uses, see Madras (disambiguation). Chennai (சென்னை) Madras (மெட்ராஸ்)   metropolitan city   …   Wikipedia

  • Madras Institute of Technology — (MIT) சென்னை தொழில்நுட்ப நிறுவனம் Motto In the service of India Established 1949 Type …   Wikipedia

  • Marina Beach — Coordinates: 13°03′15″N 80°17′01″E / 13.05418°N 80.28368°E / 13.05418; 80.28368 …   Wikipedia

  • Chennai International Airport — சென்னை பன்னாட்டு வானூர்தி நிலையம் The Chennai Airport undergoing development work IATA: MAA – ICAO: VOMM …   Wikipedia

  • Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University — Motto Lex Supremus Established 1997 Type Public …   Wikipedia

  • Mass Rapid Transit System (Chennai) — Coordinates: 13°05′32″N 80°17′33″E / 13.09233°N 80.29251°E / 13.09233; 80.29251 For the true metro under constru …   Wikipedia

  • Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) — Industry Public Transportation Founded 1972 Headquarters Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Parent Pallavan Transport Corporation Ltd Website …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/9596010 Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”