Korupolu Gangadhar, a 48-year-old primary school teacher from Anakapalle, has taken his passion for history and learning to a whole new level by transforming his home into a mini museum. In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Gangadhar explained how his love for teaching inspired him to collect coins, notes, and antiques that help students better understand the past.
“As a teacher, I want to show my students currency from different eras, apart from other collector’s items,” Gangadhar shared. What began as a simple coin collection 25 years ago has grown into an impressive collection of over 2,000 rare and unique artifacts, some dating back more than 300 years.
Located in Paravada, his house is now a treasure trove of historical pieces, including items like wooden and kerosene fans, gramophones, punkah fans, pre-Independence postcards from 1903, and even first-generation Telugu newspapers. Among his collection are radios and their original licenses, kerosene lamps, vintage utensils, coffee filters, and makeup kits—all testaments to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the past.
Gangadhar’s pride in his collection was solidified when he visited Hyderabad’s world-renowned Salar Jung Museum and identified some exhibits that he himself owns. One of his most cherished pieces is a fire metal fan, a symbol of wealth before the invention of electric fans. Another standout artifact is a centuries-old Rukmani cooker, which was used to cook and store food over hot coals, keeping meals warm for up to 10 hours—an incredibly functional design from days gone by.
“When visitors, especially school children, come to my house, they show a great deal of interest in the antiques they see,” Gangadhar said. “It helps them understand the effort that went into making these objects, and they realize how advanced people’s thinking was back then.”
Gangadhar credits his family for supporting his passion, particularly his wife Aruna, who has stood by his side throughout the years. “He hopes to open a museum, so that more people can learn about and appreciate our country’s rich history,” Aruna shared.
Through his collection, Gangadhar not only preserves the past but also ignites curiosity and respect for history in the younger generation. His dream of one day opening a museum seems well within reach, as his collection continues to grow and inspire others.
Leave a comment