Echos of her: C.N. Mangala
A Tribute to Her Legacy Through the Shashwati Women’s Museum
C.N. Mangala, a visionary educator, writer, and cultural thinker, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of education and women’s empowerment in Karnataka and beyond. As the founder of NMKRV College for Women and the Shashwati Women’s Museum, her life’s work was devoted to elevating the status of women and fostering a deep connection with history, culture, and education. Though the Shashwati Women’s Museum is no longer open to the public, its legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations.
The Shashwati Women’s Museum, nestled within the grounds of NMKRV College, was a testament to Mangala’s vision of preserving and showcasing the rich and diverse history of women in India. Established in 1973, the museum housed a stunning collection of artefacts that represented the role of women in various spheres of life, from household chores to artistic expression. The collection included tools used by women for domestic work, jewellery, handicrafts, and even items that reflected the methods of infant care across different regions of Karnataka.
The museum’s establishment was the culmination of a unique journey undertaken by C.N. Mangala and her colleagues. A Padayatra across Bengaluru and Mysuru, collecting women-related artefacts, gave birth to the Shashwati Museum. The word “Shashwati” itself, derived from the Sanskrit word for “eternal,” encapsulates Mangala’s enduring vision to create a space that would stand the test of time, honouring the achievements and lives of women through the ages.
However, the museum faced numerous challenges. Despite its immense cultural and historical significance, it struggled with limited public engagement and lacked sufficient support from government bodies. Nevertheless, Mangala’s dream of preserving the legacy of women’s history and their contributions persisted. It was a place that not only honoured women’s past but also inspired future generations to value the stories, struggles, and triumphs of women throughout history.
Today, the Shashwati Women’s Museum may be closed, but its values are still very much alive in the ongoing work of Anah Project, a continued series aimed at keeping Mangala’s legacy alive. We strive to echo the values of C.N. Mangala’s work—empowerment, preservation of cultural heritage, and the upliftment of women.
Mangala’s contributions were not confined to the walls of the museum. She was a pioneer in education, having established the first Department of Women’s Studies in South India at NMKRV College. As an advocate for gender equality and a feminist thinker, her academic journey included numerous international exchanges, which enriched her perspective on education and the role of women in shaping society. She also received prestigious awards, including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 1990 for her contributions to education and numerous literary accolades.
Her literary works—ranging from translations of R.K. Narayan’s The Guide to biographical works on Helen Keller and adaptations of Arthur Miller’s plays—reflect her deep commitment to bridging cultural gaps and shedding light on important societal issues. Through these works, Mangala brought forward stories that resonated with the struggles and triumphs of women, making her a trailblazer in both education and literature.
The values that Mangala instilled in the Shashwati Women’s Museum—preservation of history, empowerment through education, and the celebration of women’s contributions—continue to inspire us. As part of the #Echoes of Her series, we are committed to keeping her memory alive, amplifying her vision, and ensuring that the essence of the Shashwati Museum endures, even in its absence.
Through these echoes, we aim to share Mangala’s unwavering belief that education is not just about knowledge, but about fostering an environment where cultural, social, and intellectual values flourish. Anah Project embodies this spirit by focusing on these core values: preservation of cultural heritage, empowerment of women, and recognition of their contributions to society.
The closure of the Shashwati Women’s Museum is a loss, but Mangala’s legacy will continue to inspire through the work we do today and in the future. Her vision lives on in every story told, every woman empowered, and every historical artefact that is cherished. The echoes of her work will resonate for generations to come, reminding us all of the vital role women play in shaping our world.
In honour of her memory, Anah Project is not just an initiative—it’s a call to rediscover, revalue, and reimagine the place of women in history, culture, and society. Through our ongoing efforts, we hope to bring the museum’s spirit into the modern world, ensuring that C.N. Mangala’s legacy is never forgotten.
