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Veluthampi Dalawa Archaeological Museum is located in Mannady village, Pathanamthitta district, around 13 km from Adoor. It commemorates Dalawa’s role in India’s freedom struggle against the British. The museum, established by the Department of Archaeology, features a pavilion with Dalawa’s statue, a collection of historical documents including the Kundara declaration, and an open-air theater.
The museum showcases artifacts like a stone Buddha statue, ancient agricultural utensils, cannons, and war equipment. The museum also includes a picture gallery depicting Dalawa’s life, a numismatics gallery, and a shrine of Lord Shiva believed to have been destroyed by the British. Visitors can explore the beautiful garden and access the library on the premises.
Velu Thampi Dalawa: Rebellion, Leadership, and Alliance
Velu Thampi Dalawa was the Dalawa or Prime Minister of the Indian kingdom of Travancore from 1802 to 1809. He rebelled against the British East India Company’s authority and played a significant role in the political landscape of the region.
- Velu Thampi Dalawa was born on May 6, 1765, in Thalakkulam, Travancore.
- He rebelled against the British East India Company’s authority in India and was one of the earliest individuals to do so.
- Velu Thampi became the Dalawa of Travancore after leading an uprising against the corrupt nobleman Jayanthan Sankaran Nampoothiri, who was the Dewan or Prime Minister at the time.
- During his term as Dalawa, Velu Thampi implemented harsh punishments to combat corruption and restore peace and order.
- He faced opposition and conspiracies from his colleagues, leading to a plot to arrest and execute him. However, he managed to overcome these challenges with the help of the British Resident, Major Colin Macaulay.
- The Nair troops in Travancore mutinied against Velu Thampi’s proposal to reduce their allowances, but the mutiny was suppressed with the assistance of the British forces.
- Velu Thampi’s alliance with the British resulted in the signing of the Treaty of 1805, which increased the British Indian force stationed in Travancore and imposed financial obligations on the kingdom.
Veluthampi Dalawa Archaeological Museum Information
Timings:
The Veluthampi Dalawa Archaeological Museum is open every day except Mondays and national holidays from 8.00 AM to 4.30 PM.
Getting There:
The museum is situated in Mannady, Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The nearest railway stations to the museum are Karunagappalli railway station, approximately 26 kilometers away, and Kollam Junction, about 37 kilometers km away. For those traveling by air, the nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, approximately 86 kilometers away.
Nearby Attractions:
The nearby attractions include Mavara Para, Karingalichal Sight Seeing Spot, Adayappad Waterfall, Ayiravalli Para, and Munroe Island.
