Janapada Loka Folk Arts Museum is a 15-acre complex located 53 kms on the Bangalore-Mysore highway. As the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to display, preserve and promote the folk arts of the state. It has a huge collection of artefacts including hunting equipment used in earlier days, agricultural implements of ancient era, household materials, puppets and more. The Museum is a part of Karnataka Janapada Parishath, which was established to promote folk art forms in Karnataka state. There is also a beautiful lake surrounded by natural surroundings, a children’s park and an eatery serving traditional Karnataka dishes.

History

It all started with the vision and perseverance of a single individual, Mr. H. L. Nagegowda. A multifaceted personality, Mr. Nagegowda was a diplomat, author, translator, researcher, folklorist, travelogue writer and also a fine human being. It was his ardent desire to preserve and promote the tribal and folk arts of Karnataka that made him embark on a journey that led to the establishment of the Janapada Loka Folk Arts Museum.

When he was presented with a gift of one lakh and fifteen thousand rupees on his retirement, Mr. Nagegowda decided to spend the money for the cause of folk arts. He set up Karnataka Janapada Parishath on 21 March, 1979 with an aim to promote, preserve and enhance the folk art culture in the state. It was under the aegis of the Parishath that the imposing Janapada Loka Folk Arts Museum was established on 12 March, 1994. Today, it has grown into one of the most significant and prominent institutions in the country.

About Janapada Loka Folk Arts Museum

The Museum is a place dedicated to artistes. Artisans stay here and make handicrafts. The Janapada is also a research centre and a training centre where training in different folk art forms is provided to those interested. Seminars and workshops in folk arts are regularly organized at the museum campus. In addition to several facilities that encourage folk arts, there is also a full fledge library housing a collection of valuable research materials and book in folk art forms. Several festivals are also celebrated at the campus with a view to encourage folk art forms. Janapada Loka Folk Arts Museum is a valuable place for students of history, researchers and any individual interests in knowing the rich cultural heritage of the country.

The Museum open its doors to view rural life and houses almost all types of utensils, implements and gadgets used in villages from household materials, to implement uses in agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing and more.

The Facilities at Janapada Loka Folk Arts Museum

Mahadwara: It is the grand door to the museum. It alone can be referred to as a symbol of cultural heritage. Measuring about 20 feet, the door is decorated with trumpets and horns.

Chitra Kuteera: It is a photo gallery and there are old and new photographs of various folk art forms. These include photographs of art forms, festivals, fairs and customs. There are also masks used in Yakshagana art form displayed here. You will also find various colourful and black and white photographs of tribal people and their art forms.

Shilpamala: It has a huge collection of memorial stones of ancient times. These are stones inscripted with memories of valour or love. Many of these stones date back to four hundred years or more. There are different stones like the ones dedicated to brave men of war, called Veerakallu or brave stones, stones inscripted in memory of a dutiful wife, known as Santhikally and there are even stones dedicated to the memory of a beloved cow, called Gokallu. There is also a huge collection of ancient idols. These idols once were lying in ruins all over the state were collected from different parts and preserved here.

Loka Mahal: It is a two storied structure, with two floors dedicated to a permanent exhibition. The ground floor displays life size dolls of tribal couples, yakshagana characters, village people and more. There is also a huge collection of arms and weapons in addition to the weights and items used in ancient times. There are also forms of ghosts made in wood and stone. The first floor is a gallery of folk instruments and dolls and puppets used in theatre. Even masks and children’s play materials are also displayed here with pride.

Aayagararamala: It is the exhibition of tools and equipment used in agriculture, fishing and hunting. You will find very rare equipment like the ones used for rice pounding, sugar cane juice and more.

Open Air Theatre: It has the capacity to seat 800 persons with a green room. Every Sunday, folk art forms are held at the theatre.

Loka Sarovara: After taking a round at the exhibitions and watching live performances, one can take a stroll in peddle boats in the enchanting Lok Sarovara Lake. The serene natural surroundings and calmness of the lake is something which children too will enjoy.

Video Scope Theatre:  It is an apt place for students and researchers who can view videos of different art forms and many documentaries in the comfortable video theatre.

Saraswathi Mandira: A two-storeyed structure, the Saraswathi Mandira houses a fully fledged library on the ground floor and class rooms for students studying at the Parishath on the first floor. The library is open to public too. There are also two rooms adjacent to the building for scholars who can stay and do their research here.

Alasuru Chariot: This is indeed a chariot made of stone. Such chariots were a major part of temples in ancient times. This chariot is from Someshwara Temple in Bangalore but since it was damaged in a fire mishap, it could not be kept there. It was restored and from then on it has found a place of pride in the museum premises.  It is a historic piece of art.

Dodda Mane: It is a house with the view to lodge artistes and students who visit the museum to attend workshops and seminars. Schools and other educational institutes who come to the museum for short trips are accommodated here. The house is also built in ancient architectural style with twelve pillars with a courtyard in the centre. It comprises community kitchen, dormitories, and other facilities.

Children’s Park: In the company of nature, the Park with play equipment for children will not only soothe the minds of young visitors but also their heart.

Loka Ruchi Upahara Mandira: Though it is a hotel run by the reputed Kamat group of hotels, this hotel serves traditional and local delicacies cooked and served by traditional methods.

Timings and Tickets

The visiting time of the Museum is from 9 am to 5.30 pm except on Tuesdays and public holidays.

Entry fee

For children – Rs. 10
For adults – Rs. 20
Foreign visitors – Rs. 100

If you wish to carry a camera and take pictures, then you will have to pay a fee of Rs. 100.