India’s rich cultural heritage was built by various civilizations in the form of great temples, forts and other monuments. With the advent of subsequent civilizations, previous cultures were damaged or destroyed. The remains of these cultures now form some of the best museums in the world. India has several museums with amazing collections. The range of the items on display is phenomenal. Right from the excavated objects, fossils of plants and animals, rock paintings to items in iron, bronze, gold; palaeo-botanical remains and archeological remains, the museums house a great cultural heritage.
During your vacations in India visit the museums of India, the focal points of the heritage conservation that are located in different cities of India.
The marine town of Mumbai boasts of the Taraporewala Aquarium, along the Marine drive. The museum can be visited to view the beautiful marine life comprising of some rare species of fish and wonderful pearl jewelry. The fashion capital of the country has a unique center for the artists too at the Jehangir Art Gallery. The exhibition halls, built in 1952 have displayed the works of several renowned artists. Adjoining the art gallery is the Prince of Wales Museum. The splendid building reminds the people of the colonial rulers. An insight into the history of the capital of Maharashtra can be enjoyed at the Victoria and Albert Museum. It is also known as the Veermata Jeejamata museum and includes exhibits pertaining to the past glory of the city.
Indian Museum, Kolkotta, is India’s first and oldest museum opened to the public in 1875. In the Bharhut room the remains of a Buddhist stupa discovered in 1873, carved in red sandstone is similar to the great Sanchi Stupa. an inscription on a pillar of the gateway informs us that this was constructed in the 2nd century BC. Central Museum : This is specially on ethnographic museums and has on view objects and specimen related to the different tribal and other communities of India. The collections on view are especially significant because of the diversity of subjects and material available. Birla Industrial and Technological Museum : donated by the pioneer industrialist G.D. Birla, this Museum was opened to the public in 1959. This is India’s first public science museum. It displays scientific models, hands on interactive exhibits on scientific phenomena and models of various industries. The museum also has a small animalorium with live snakes, reptiles, rabbits and aquariums.
In Delhi The National Museum has a rich collection of sculpture, The Bronze gallery, rare manuscript and miniature painting etc. Crafts Museum: Within the museum itself are examples of traditional Indian crafts, wooden carving and images. Gandhi Memorial Museum: It displays the relics of Mahatma Gandhi, copies of his letters which he had published as well as number of photographs which depict the various aspects of his invaluable contribution to modern India.