Kulotunga Cholapatnam also known as Visakhapatnam - City's Heritage in a Dutch Bungalow - Visakha Museum

Kulotunga Cholapatnam - this is the name given to Visakhapatnam by a General of the most powerful Chola Empire. When the Chola army captured this harbor town, it was renamed after the Chola emperor Kulotunga Chola I. The Tamil stone inscription dated 1083 CE lies in a lesser-known Visakha Museum in Vizag.

Although Visakha Museum is located in the most happening R K Beach locality, hardly anyone visits it. Unlike the other two famous museums, namely the Air Craft Museum and the Submarine Museum, this museum is not seen much and remains unknown even to the locals. However, the museum is a treasure trove, and there is no reason for us to ignore this site with rich heritage value.  

The museum is located in a beautiful Dutch Bungalow, which itself holds a heritage status. In the mid-1800s, the Dutch Managers of Indigo Plantation constructed this spacious residence. Later, it became the official residence of British Civil Servants and District Judges. Later, the Rajahs of Daspalla Estate bought the property. Ultimately, when it was about to get demolished and converted into a five-star hotel, the Municipal Corporation purchased the property and converted it into a museum. Thus, Visakha Museum was started in 1991 in this beautiful building. 

Currently, the premises has two wings, a Heritage Museum and a Maritime Museum. 

The Maritime Wing was set up in 2004. It showcases the rich maritime history of India. A sculpture of Varuna (the Rain God) welcomes us at the entrance. The models of some notable naval ships, such as INS Visakhapatnam and INS Sumedha, are displayed here. Few aircraft and submarine models are also at display. 

The lawn of the bungalow displays a few cartridges and canons. There is an interesting statue that depicts a kid standing atop a woman by balancing itself; the woman, who suspends the kid, in turn, is balanced artistically by a man below her. 

Besides, there are many sculptures scattered in the lawn area. The 19th-century icons of Shiva, Vishnu, Narasimha, Nandi and Shiva Linga, mostly from Vizianagaram and a few from the Vizag region are showcased. The 12th-century images of hero stones, Veera Saiva devotees and Harathi from Vizag region are also found. The inscription stone that calls the city as Kulotunga Cholapatnam is also displayed here.

Inside the museum, there are many sections. One section displays the portraits of the royal family of Vizianagaram and Bobbili. Another section displays ancient weapons such as spears, swords, bows, handguns and others. 

Chola inscription

The shell bomb that was dropped by the Japanese during World War II is also at display. There is a separate section of the museum that is dedicated to Gandhi. Many photographs depicting his connection with Vizag are found here.

Another highlight of the museum is the world's longest flag that is showcased. It is 2500 meters long, 11.5 feet wide and 450 kg in weight.

Also, there are a few interesting and rare ancient sculptures displayed here. They are incredibly beautiful. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the museum complex. Hence, I could not show their pictures here. However, let me list down a few important sculptures found here:

• Standing Buddha - white color stone - arms are broken - from Takkelapadu - 1st/2nd cent CE
• Uma Mahesvara seated with a small image of Ganesha near the right leg of Maheshvara - from Medak - 13th cent CE
• Shanmukha with Valli seated on peacock - Shanmukha has four arms - bow and arrow in his arms - Chatra (decorated umbrella) above his head - lean image depicted in a unique style - 13th cent CE - from Warangal
• Madanika - seated with four arms - very beautiful - from Ghanpur - 12th cent CE
• Saraswati - 13th cent CE - from Karimnagar - artistically beautiful - broken below the chest and damaged badly
• Rama and Sita seated - Lakshmana in Anjali mudra and standing - Hanuman holding Veena and palm leaf in his arms - 16the cent - from Sangameswaram

Being a heritage enthusiast, I would say a visit to Vizag is incomplete without visiting this museum. 

Happy travelling.