Mysuru: The Zonal Anthropological Museum of Anthropological Survey of India (ASI), Southern Regional Centre, Mysuru, opened its monthly ‘Object Speaks’ exhibition featuring ‘Mura Kodai,’ the traditional raincoat of the Mullu Kurumba tribe of Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu.
The exhibition was inaugurated yesterday by Prof. M.R. Gangadhara, Vice-Chancellor of Chamarajanagar University.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Gangadhara described the ‘Object Speaks’ initiative as an innovative way of presenting India’s rich ethnographic heritage by highlighting a single museum artefact every month.
He commended the Anthropological Survey of India for its efforts in preserving indigenous knowledge systems and promoting museum education.
The Vice-Chancellor also expressed interest in strengthening academic collaboration between the ASI and universities through student visits, internships, joint research projects, workshops and museum-based learning programmes.
The inaugural programme was attended by faculty members, research scholars and students from the Department of Anthropology, University of Mysore, besides officers and staff of the ASI’s Southern Regional Centre.
Prof. Gangadhara interacted with the officers and staff of the Southern Regional Centre and appreciated the museum’s efforts to make ethnographic collections more accessible through public outreach programmes.
He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between museums and academic institutions to promote anthropological education and research.
Dr. Mithun Sikdar, Head of Office, Southern Regional Centre, felicitated the Vice-Chancellor, while Dr. P.N. Venugopal presented a memento to the Department of Anthropology, University of Mysore, in recognition of its academic association with the event.
Curated by Dr. Banita Behera, the exhibition will remain open to the public for one month. It offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the traditional craftsmanship, ecological wisdom and cultural heritage embodied in the Mura Kodai.
Mura Kodai: Rain shield of Mullu Kurumba people
Mura Kodai, is a traditional rain shield used by the Mullu Kurumba community living in the rain-rich Nilgiri hills of the Western Ghats.
Crafted entirely from natural forest resources, the raincoat reflects the community’s close relationship with its environment and its long-standing ecological knowledge. The name Mura Kodai is derived from the Kurumba dialect, where mura means “three” and kodai means “umbrella” or “rain shield,” referring to its distinctive three-sided design.
The raincoat is made from three locally available natural materials: Bamboo or reed strips that form the frame, leaves of Vateria Indica that provide waterproof covering and forest creepers used for binding the structure. The bamboo frame, usually woven by women of the community, is shaped like a large winnowing tray, while the dried leaves and creepers are stitched together to create a durable, water-resistant covering. Unlike similar rain shields found in other parts of the Western Ghats, which typically use palm leaves, the Mura Kodai is distinguished by its finely crafted bamboo framework. Worn over the head and shoulders, it protects the wearer from rain while keeping both hands free for agricultural activities such as paddy transplantation during the monsoon season.
This post was published on July 1, 2026 7:30 pm