Documentation of traditional diving for pearl and chunk in Mannar Gulf, from the Sangam period onwards;
These funds were very useful as seed money for ethnographic study in the Tamil region. As a result, Tamil University has extended its helping hand to widen the survey for the Palk Bay region also. INSA, New Delhi, also provided some contingency grants to improve the study of traditional pearl and chank fishing. Since the Trust has encouraged such a small study, I feel more confident in pursuing further ethnographic study uncovered by the scholars.
Comparative study of museum display and its interpretation by visitors
This award was very useful in the development of Chennai district museums. I had the chance to see some important museums in India and by seeing the display arrangements and interpretation techniques my knowledge was increased. I had the chance to apply this knowledge in newly opened museums.
A study of the traditional bead-making industry of Periya district of Tamil Nadu
The grant served as seed money to carry out the preliminary studies which helped to take up the major work in the selected field. For instance the feasibility study helped to get major research project funding from the Indian National Science Academy.
Islamic architecture in Tamil Nadu
This award was instrumental to carry out a research study on a litte known subject - the Islamic architecture in Tamil Nadu, and was only possible to achieve because of the award.
