Hyderabad boasts a rich history and heritage. It’s not only famous for its delicious biryanis, and pearl trade but also for numerous monuments of historical significance and museums displaying artefacts of the bygone era. One of the places which have preserved the primordial aeons is the Salar Jung Museum. The Indian Parliament has dubbed it an Institution of National Importance. Today, we bare it all and present you with every bit of Salar Jung Museum information to prepare you just in case you decide to visit the museum.
Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad
Salar Jung Museum is one of the biggest art museums in the Indian subcontinent, featuring paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, carpets, clocks, and more. These relics chronicle not only the Indian art history but also the diverse styles of Japan, China, Egypt, Europe, North America, and other global art powerhouses. Earlier, it was the private art collection of the noble Salar Jung family. Upon the death of Salar Jung III, the collection was bestowed to the nation, and formally inaugurated as a private museum in 1951 at Dewan Devdi. By 1968, the collection was shifted to its current location, which was designed by the architect Mohammed Fayazuddin.
Where is Salar Jung Museum located, you ask? It is located on the southern bank of the Musi River at Dar-ul-Shifa. Charminar, another jewel in the Hyderabadi heritage, is quite close to the museum. One may travel from Salar Jung Museum to Charminar via an Uber taking only 10 minutes.
About Salar Jung Museum Collection
Salar Jung Museum photos do not do the collection justice. With over 46,000 art pieces, 8,000 manuscripts, and 60,000 printed books, the museum showcases the rich legacy extending from the 2nd century BC to the early 20th century. The exhibits are divided into geographical categories spread across 39 galleries. The collection can be classified into Indian art, European art, Japanese art, Middle Eastern art, Persian art, Chinese art, and the Children’s section.
Salar Jung Museum Paintings
Salar Jung Museum houses an exquisite collection of paintings ranging from Indian miniatures ranging from Mughal, Rajasthani, Deccan, Malwa, and Thanjavur styles. Some of these miniature paintings include the infamous, ‘The Birth of The Prince,’ ‘Prince with a Hawk,’ and ‘King with Nobles.’ The museum also exhibits the works of Raja Ravi Varma such as ‘Stolen Interview’ and ‘Disappointing News.’ Paintings by famous personalities, the likes of MF Hussain, Nandlal Bose, Abanindranath Tagore, and more have been acquired as well.
The Museum has allocated exhibition space for European art, displaying frescoes from Italy, France, and Munich. Some of the regulars include T.S. Cooper (Cattle in Repose), Canaletto (Piazza San Marco), and Francesco Hayez (Soap Bubbles). In the Japanese section, you may witness beautiful Japanese watercolours on silk and paper, credited to Nishiyama Hoen and other lesser-known artists.
Jewellery Salar Jung Museum
The jewellery pieces at the Salar Jung Museum showcase a blend of Mughal, Nizam, and Rajput styles, each imbued with unique craftsmanship and symbolism. The museum’s biggest attraction and crown jewel is the ‘Jacob Diamond’, a spectacular 185-carat diamond, alongside other precious gems like emeralds, rubies, jade, and sapphires. The collection also includes ceremonial jewellery worn by royalty, adorned with pearls, diamonds, and gemstones. Moreover, the museum houses pieces crafted by skilled artisans, featuring filigree work, enamel detailing, and intricate motifs that depict mythological tales and traditional motifs.
Salar Jung Museum Clock
The Salar Jung Museum has a remarkable collection of clocks that showcases the evolution of timekeeping technology and craftsmanship. From ancient sundials, miniature clocks which require a magnifying glass, grandfather clocks, bracket clocks, skeleton clocks, to birdcage clocks, the museum has it all. One of the clocks which demand the visitor’s attention is the ‘Musical Clock’, which plays music at regular intervals.
Salar Jung Museum Veiled Rebecca
If you have ever googled Salar Jung Museum images, you would have seen that the museum features Giovanni Maria Benzoni’s famous sculpture, ‘The Veiled Rebecca.’ It is a masterpiece of neoclassical art and ethereal beauty. Completed in the mid-19th century, this sculpture portrays the biblical figure of Rebecca, veiled in a delicate marble shroud that seems to defy the stone’s solidity. Benzoni’s skilful rendering of the translucent veil, seemingly suspended in midair, creates a sense of mystery and enchantment.
Salar Jung Museum Coin
There is also a coin gallery at the Salar Jung Museum which displays coins from the 3rd century BC to the contemporary era. The collection of over 600 coins made of copper, lead, and silver was used as the currency for multiple dynasties such as the Kushan dynasty, Vijayanagar dynasty, Mughal dynasty, and the Bahmani empire.
Image Courtesy – Onmanorama
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