Ernakulam
Ernakulam Museums
Indo-Portuguese Museum
The
Indo-Portuguese Museum situated in Fort Kochi throws light on the strong Portuguese
influence in both the art and the architecture of the region.The museum today is an important center to understand the Indo-Portuguese Christian Art heritage, which is still surviving. The museum is the outcome of the untiring efforts of the late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, Bishop of Kochi. Driven by sheer commitment to protect the rich heritage of his Diocese, the bishop established the Indo-Portuguese Museum to preserve some of the invaluable collections for posterity.
The museum currently houses some outstanding collections, well known for its artistic and architectural marvel, which bear the mark of strong Portuguese influence. Some of these include a piece of the altar made in teak wood (16th century) from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen, a chasuble (19th century) from Bishop?s House, Fort Kochi, Processional cross, which is a combination of silver and wood (17th century) from Santa Cruz Cathedral, Fort Kochi, Indo-Portuguese Monstrance (18-19th century), from Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen. Among the displayed items, the Coat of Arms of the Franciscans needs special mentioning.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has also contributed to the rich collection at the Indo-Portuguese Museum and has to its credit sculptures, precious metal objects and vestments, among others from the Cathedral of Santa Cruz and other churches of the Kochi diocese.
The Indo-Portuguese Museum in Kochi is indeed one of those symbols in the annals of Kochi, bearing the rich heritage of Indo-Portuguese culture and artistic influence.
Address:
Bishop's House
Fort Kochi
Kerala- 682001
Working Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays and all Public Holidays.
Entry is free on 1st Thursday of every month. Maritime Museum
India reckoned as the top ten naval power in the world owes its credit to dedication and selfless services rendered by the brave men of India's formidable naval force.
It is of significance for civilians to understand the value of existence of such a force, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding territorial waters of India.
Step into the Maritime Museum to have a feel of the great maritime heritage of Indian Navy, which dates back to Indus Valley civilizations; Kerala's trade links with Arabs, its famous maritime hero Kunjali Marakkar; Influence of India's maritime power in South East Asia; Colonization of Indian sub-continent by European powers.
At the museum, the visitors are enlightened on the evolution of the navy since 1612, when the Indian Marine was established in Surat.
Another section of the museum presents interesting aspects of shipbuilding activities in India. It unravels India's prowess in shipbuilding, which took its culture to the shores of Java, Sumatra and Bali between 3rd century BC and 12th century AD.
The museum also has a section, which highlights Indian Navy's share of glory, when it took on its aggressors and eventually emerged victorious in the end. These include details of Junaghad operation, the Goa liberation, Indo-Pak conflicts of 1965 and 1971, Operation Cactus, Operation Pawan and the strategic maneuvers during Kargil.
Visiting time: 9:30 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm
Getting there: The Museum is located on the beach road about 1 km south of St.Francis Church in Fort Kochi.
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 15km.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam City.
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