An art and cultural centre commemorating the ancient Kongu nation

The Kongu National Art and Culture Study Center, which commemorates the ancient Kongu nation, is functioning at the Kongu Arts and Science College, Erode. 

College Correspondent PD Thangavel and Principal Dr H Vasudevan said: In ancient times, Tamil Nadu had various nations like Chera, Chola, Pandya, Thondai, Kongunadu etc. Each differs in culture, language accent, profession, social structure. Kongunadu is completely different from other parts of Tamil Nadu.Kongunadu was a land not ruled by empires. Kongunadu was an area largely administered by local bodies. Kongunadu was from Krishnagiri district to Tiruvannamalai district in today's Tamil Nadu. Therefore, a Center for the Study of Folklore in St Xavior College, Palayamkottai, started by Dr. De Lurdhu, which started with the Kongu country as a separate field of study and remains a prototype research center till date. On the model of that, research center was started in 2016 in the college. 

Dr P Dhinakaran, Head of the Tamil Department of the College and Assistant Professor Umadevi said: In this center more than 600 ancient Kongu country's sports, faith, ritual, historical items, household appliances, scales, agricultural and industrial tools, ancient coins, antiquities and footprints were exhibited. These are collected by students and professors from various places. It will explain the splendor of ancient Kongu country to today's students. A seminar is held in this regard every year. Every year the students go to different villages and collect such old artefacts which will greatly help in the research related to Kongunadu.