The Manipur State Museum on Monday commemorated a momentous occasion as it marked 55 years since its inauguration on September 23, 1969, by the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Situated in the heart of Imphal, Manipur, this museum stands as a bastion of the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage, boasting a collection unparalleled among the northeastern states.
In commemoration of its 55th anniversary, the museum recently organised a highly successful three-day workshop on indigenous pottery making. Pottery holds a pivotal role in Manipuri culture, serving not only as a craft but also as a means of expressing cultural identity and tradition.
The workshop, held in collaboration with renowned artisans from Nungbi, Andro, and Nungbi, recognised state awardees in their craft aimed to educate and inspire local youth about the cultural and economic significance of pottery.
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Over the years, it has grown into one of the best-equipped and most significant museums in the northeastern region, said Curator Mrinashree Mairembam.
She informed that the museum houses eight galleries, each one carefully curated to reflect different aspects of Manipur’s history, art, and culture.
From archaeological relics to ethnological treasures, these galleries offer visitors a chance to explore the soul of Manipur, she said, adding that maintaining these galleries is no small task.
She said, with only seven staff members, including myself, and many of our dedicated gallery attendants having retired, it has become increasingly difficult to ensure the proper upkeep of such a large space.
“We’ve had to rely on CCTV cameras to monitor the galleries, which has helped, but it’s still challenging to manage the cleanliness, security, and presentation without adequate hands on deck,” she added.
Despite these challenges, we are doing our best to maintain the standards of this prestigious institution, she said, adding we are committed to keeping the museum as a space where visitors can connect with Manipur’s past and gain a deeper understanding of our cultural heritage.
