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There is nothing called waste.  Everything has some value or other.  Such dictums were never in the forefront of K.K.Vaiyapurai Mannadiar’s mind when he began the quest to collect antique pieces 37 years ago.  To him it was just an effort to make both ends meet.  Many days of futile bicycle journeys and long travails were meant just to keep hunger away from the doorstep. 

In 1970, Mannadiar opened a small shop for antique items at Noorani, Palakkad.  One of the first items bought by him was the remnants of the Kuthiravattam Fort near Koduvayoor.  Later, he aquired the Narasimham Bank at Alathur also. Once the pieces from historic periods were available in his shop, it was only a matter of time before he and the art directors of filmdom realized the casting potential of these items. 

Thus starting from 1982, he started renting out the pieces to film industry.  Since delicate handling was required, he used to send his personnel along with the exhibits.

Since then, his pieces have appeared in numerous South Indian films.  Of late there is demand for purchase of these pieces from well-to-do individuals and corporates.  As someone who started on the quest with neither family background, or professional help, nor previous training, he has indeed come a long way. 

These days, his quest has broadened to include other states also.  To help in buying ‘hidden treasures’, he has agents at various places.  His sons Kuttappan, Devan and Shivan  also help him in the ‘treasure hunt’.

Courtesy: Jomon Joseph (text), Rajan M.Thomas (photo), Sree, Malayala Manorama, June 17, 2007
Contributed by: Administrator

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