The Folklore Museum of India, located in Mysore, exhibits a noble standard of folk designs, art and crafts throughout the Karnataka state. Throughout Asia this museum keeps it name as some of the best and one of its own kinds. Here some precious and diverse varieties of artifacts, handicrafts and various forms of arts from different parts of Karnataka can be seen. A single visit to this fascinating museum can turn out to be a veritable journey from a diverse paradise.

The Folklore Museum has kept its place distinct among various other museums throughout Mysore. This museum is a historical building as it was formed in 1968 and is situated at the Manasa Kuvempu Institute of Kannad Studies, Gangotri campus, part of Mysore university. Jayalakshmi Vilas mansion houses the purpose of this built museum. An extensive widespread collection of approximately 6500 artifacts can be found in this building that showcases the art and craft and folk culture of the Karnataka State.

History

Various representative art and craft collections from all over the state of Karnataka are stored in Folklore Museum. This building was founded in 1968 and has its location in University of Mysore in the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion that can be found in Manasagangothri campus. The University of Mysore has its great contribution in the study of Folklore since its foundation, and the development of museum to its present level is done by scholars such as Jeesham Paramashivaiah, Javeregowda and P.R. Thippeswamy. Various Important materials throughout Karnataka were brought by P.R. Thippeswamy for increasing the collection of museum. As being a folklore museum, in addition to various items it also displays different elements of dance, music and drama.

Different Sections in Museum

Various exhibits in this museum can be seen organized in a systematic manner in accordance with forms of folk art. The gallery has its various divisions such as large dolls, folklife, wings of folklore, art and literature.

Various valuable collectives can be seen folklore section.

On display it has various costumes of Yakshagana. Accessories and props of both Badga Thittu and Thenka thittu (the southern and northern Yakshagana forms)can be seen in this section.

In the vast doll wing statues and large doll figures used in various dances that include Talebhutha, Soma, Gadi Maari, Maari, Kaibhutha and Maari.

Instruments that were used by potters, blacksmiths, fishermen, boatmen, farmers, goldsmiths, cobblers and various other artisans can be seen in the folklife wing. Various items of household are also included such as agriculture implements, lamps, measures, cooking utensils, weapons, churns, cooking utensils, weaving implements, beads, pots, baskets, clothing and other items of folk games.

Collections

The representative collectives found in Folk Lore Mysore Museum also incorporates various accessories and elements that are mainly associate themselves with folk music, dance, drama and various other forms of folk arts. All galleries inside the museum are organized systematically in various divisions such as Folk Lore, Folk life, Folk Art, Folk Literature and Large Folk Dolls.

Various collections of valuable nature of Folk Lore Museum in Mysore includes costumes, props and various accessories of different Yakshagana forms at display.

Different costumes of Kathakali dancers of Kerala, Folk Dramatists of Andhra Pradesh, puppets, masks and a huge variety of various instruments of folk music are showcased through proper plates of identification. The huge repertoire of various dolls kept in display bears historical, religious and social influence of that time.

How To Reach

By Rail

Railway Station of Mysore is linked to Bangalore that is 140 km far. Bangalore is well linked to various other cities of India. Taxi transportation services to Mysore are available from Bangalore which can cost approximately Rs 3000.

By Air

A small domestic airport in Mysore links to Bangalore. Also Bangalore has the nearest international airport that is at a distance of 140 kms away from Mysore. All the major Indian cities are connected to Bangalore through regualar scheduled flights. Many international cities are also connected to Bangalore. Taxi services are also available that connect Bangalore to Mysore, fare can cost to Rs 3000.

By Bus

Karnataka State Road Transportation Corporation provides excellent bus services for reaching Mysore from Bangalore. Facilities of tourist buses can be available that connects the two cities and expenses of fare can cost about Rs 4 to 5 per kilometer.

Timings and Ticket Prices

The Folk Lore Museum opens daily from 10 am to evening 5:30 pm, Sundays closed. Entrance to this fascinating museum can be made free.

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