A Field Visit to Hasta Shilpa Kala Village and Unit - 5 of Manipal Technology Limited

Oct 28, 2023

In a remarkable journey back in time, the second and third-year students from Nitte Institute of Communication visited Hasta Shilpa Kala Village on Saturday, October 28 2023. The third-year students visited this wonderful village with their juniors and instructors as part of their Arts and Culture Communication course. This outdoor museum in Manipal, Karnataka, is more than simply a museum; it's a fascinating representation of local history and culture.

Hasta Shilpa Kala Village is a singular example of India's architectural wonders, history, and cultural legacy. Walking through the village of Hasta Shilpa Kala feels like entering a time capsule. The founder's intense enthusiasm and interest in architecture and history gave rise to this remarkable institution. Originating from Udupi, Mr. Vijayanath Shenoy set out to construct his own home using traditional architectural methods. This endeavor involved gathering building materials and designs from neighboring family homes. The large collection of objects that adorn the village is proof of his dedication to maintaining history and culture.

With more than eighteen antique houses, Hasta Shilpa Kala Village is situated on a large 6-acre plot of land that is leased from the Karnataka government. Over 80% of these homes have been meticulously restored after being carefully moved. In order to help students follow a particular path, the houses were also numbered, allowing them to visit each one independently. Every house is beautiful in its own right, with certain parts having the feel of wonderful mazes. A variety of artifacts, including vehicles that might have been used by royalty or the upper caste, are also available for visitors to admire. These vehicles, which bear witness to the majesty of the day, require four people to operate.

The diversity of India's faiths and cultures is beautifully reflected in the layout and architecture of the houses at Hasta Shilpa Kala Village. From the layout of the houses, you can observe the influence of different faiths. For instance, the Muslim house is a two-storey marvel with all the amenities of a traditional household. In contrast, the Christian house has a sleek, modern appearance with a few wall inscriptions.

The man responsible for this magnificent preservation effort, Vijayanath Shenoy, initiated the restoration of 17 ancestral homes from Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. These houses reflect Karnataka-style architecture and are adorned with priceless artefacts and collections from bygone eras. The students had a deep appreciation for our history as they bid farewell to this beautiful village after touring all 24 houses.

In the afternoon, students had the opportunity to visit Unit - 5 of Manipal Technology Limited, where bulk printing takes place. Students were introduced to bulk printing be it a calendar or an Oxford University publication. Dr. Tapaswi HM, Assistant Professor, NICO, Dr. Sujata, Librarian and Mr. Sriram accompanied students on this visit.