It contains several heritage houses displaying domestic and ritual objects, arts, crafts, toys, textiles and artefacts The constant razing down of traditional, elegant structures in the rural hinterland of Karnataka is known to all of us. But this wanton destruction created a sense of sadness and compassion in one man, Vijayanath Shenoy. He set out to protect these nameless beautiful houses and prevent their demolition, sometimes even being at the receiving end of physical threats and violence. Where possible, he resurrected them at their original location; many times he convinced the owners to donate them to him and relocated them to a location in Manipal at his own cost. Thus was born Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village, the brainchild of Vijayanath Shenoy. The Village now boasts of over 30 structures - traditional structures of immense aesthetic value translocated from various districts of Karnataka, such as:
* Miyar House (a quintessential Gate-house typical to South Canara)
* Mudhol Palace Durbar Hall (a medieval royal structure)
* Kunjoor Chowkimane (a 200-year old house built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture)
* Kamal Mahal from Kukanoor (a one-of-a-kind wooden assembly, believed to be the private residence of the chief of army staff of the Vijayanagar empire)
* Raja Ravi Verma Museum (showcasing the remains of his Litho press from Malavli, Mumbai)
* Deccani Nawab Mahal (a remnant of the once-ostentatious Nawabi culture)
* Mangalore Christian House (a fusion of European and local architecture)
* Nandikeshwara Shrine (housing ancient wooden statues of Bootha culture intrinsic to undivided South Canara)
This entire complex is woven by a network of lanes and by-lanes having shopfronts that depict the streetscapes of a bygone era, and is built on the edge of the Manipal Lake. The project was mainly funded by the financial support given by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Embassies of Finland and Denmark. Apart from this, a host of sensitive individuals have contributed for the project. Recently, Sir Dorabjee Tata Trusts and Allied Trusts partnered with us in this ambitious conservation project which is unparalleled in India. If you think our take on heritage-conservation is interesting and deserves support, you can help us:
* Volunteer with Heritage Village
* Intern with Heritage Village
Tickets would be available at the location - the ticket-counter of Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village. Visitors could also call, and block tickets in advance
