A visit to Mamallapuram can be an educational experience

CHENNAI: If you are fed up of listening to the 'usual' guides in Mamallapuram, here's a chance to find an expert one, and that too without paying money. A week ago, the Tamil Heritage Trust, an organization of heritage-lovers, has started a 'Docent Training Program for Mamallapuram', to create awareness among people about the details of various monuments in the erstwhile Pallava port city.
The first batch of 13 participants from various walks of life has completed the training, which included study camps, tests and lectures. "The first batch has completed a three-day on-site class at Mamallapuram. The objective of the programme is to provide rigorous training to volunteers who can then engage with visitors to Mamallapuram to educate them using authentic information and insights. The inputs to the docents include aspects of history, art, architecture, iconography and other unique aspects of the monuments," said S Swaminathan, co-founder of the THT and author of "Mahabalipuram: Unfinished Poetry in Stone".
A simple visit to to Mamallapuram doesn't serve any purpose. If one wants to know more about the monuments, then he/she has two options. Either the place should be visited after collecting authentic information on it or take the help of a guide. Unfortunately, like many heritage sites, Mamallapuram also lacks professional guides who can assist you on a detailed heritage tour. "A truthful presentation of the site which could bring out its artistic and architectural charm in the current context is not available today. The Docent training program for Mamallapuram is an attempt to make a positive contribution in this regard," said Swaminathan. The training included three days on-site classes at Mamallapuram, held over two weekends with overnight stay. A practical demo session was conducted on the site itself to check the participants' knowledge and skill on the subject. A written test was conducted followed by a seminar.
Ashwin Prabhu, a teacher who participated in the programme, said he was very much satisfied with it. "Many people visit Mamallapuram as a tourist spot, but only a few realise its importance. Each corner of the monument has something special to offer," said Prabhu.