History
The Salarjung Museum was established in 1951 in Hyderabad, and contains one of the largest antique collections of the world. The assortments belong to Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, well known as Salar Jung III. The Salarjung Museum has 38 galleries spread in 3 blocks with exhibits from varied civilisations going back to the 2nd century. These include different cultures such as Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, Islamic, Greek and Roman of various countries.
The collections of the Salarjung Museum can be divided into Indian Art, Middle Eastern Art, Far Eastern Art, European Art and Children Art section. Also, there is a gallery known as the Founder’s Gallery, which is devoted to the renowned Salarjung family.
The Indian Art section includes carvings made out of stone, bronze, wood, ivory and jade, painted textiles (kalamkari), modern and miniature art, metal-ware, manuscripts, weapons and artillery.
The Middle Eastern Art contains artefacts from the Middle East countries like carpets, manuscripts, ceramics, glass and metal-ware, furniture, and lacquer.
The Far Eastern Art display includes an extensive Sino-Japanese art collection of Chinese porcelain, enamel, lacquer ware, embroidery and paintings, wooden and inlay work.
The section of European Collection comprises of art objects ranging from the finest examples of oil and watercolour paintings, artistically attractive glass objects to grand furniture, marvellous works of ivory, enamel ware and clocks. The objects on display in the Children Art section of the museum offer informal learning to the children apart from providing enjoyment to them.
The main attractions however, are the rare artefacts like Aurangzeb's sword, and daggers of Queen Noor Jahan, Emperor Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Other highlights are the statues of Veiled Rebecca, Mestophiles and the Lady with the Lamp, a fabulous collection of Jade, and the Arms section. The Clock Room holds a collection of more than 300 clocks, the ‘musical clock’ being the most prominent.
The Salarjung Museum is a treat for any antique lover and definitely a must visit in Hyderabad.
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