Block-I

UNIT-I
DEFINITION, AIM AND SCOPE OF MUSEOLOGY AND
MUSEOGRAPHY

Structure
1.1 Introduction:

1.0 Objectives:

1.2 History of Development of Museums in India

1.3 Museum Momentum

1.4 Definition, Aim and Scope

1.5 Answers to Check your progress

1.6 Summary

1.7 Keywords

1.8 Questions for self-Study

1.9 Books for further Stud

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1.0 OBJECTIVES:

After studying this unit you will be able to,

• Analyse Definition of Museology
• Examine the Aims of Museology
• Discuss the Scoop of Museology
• Explain the significance of Museology
• Understand the Importance of Museology

1.1 INTRODUCTION:

The Museum is a Greek word and the meaning is “Sanctuary of Muses”. In India
the word Museum appears first in Sanskrit Literature. According to me, “the Museums are
not just dump area of previously used or past history important antiquities, Folk objects,
art objects, paintings and other attractive and curious objects, it is a original knowledge
house of every one”. The origin and development of Museums in India, as well as in South
India has got its own long history and even how it became sustainable to our society is
quite interesting. In India the concept of development of Museums has started around 250
to 255 years back.

In India, before developing any specific Museum in the country it was a hobby of
Kings, Rich Peoples, Britishers and also Military Officers to collect curious, attractive and
interested objects and enjoying in their leisure hours.

Meaning of the Word Museum:

As per the Oxford University Dictionary the meaning of the Word Museum is that
the “Building used for storing and exhibition of objects illustrating antiquities, natural
history, art, specimen of art etc...”. In D.K.Bharadvaj’s Standard Dictionary meaning of
the Word Museum is that the “Building in which objects Illustrating art or Science are kept
for show”.

But today this simple meaning has extended to a greater extent from simple to
complex one from the origin of the Museums in India which will be discussed herewith
specific examples and illustration.

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1.2 HISTORY OF DEVELOPMENT OF MUSEUMS IN INDIA

For the first time in India, the Museum movement rooted towards the end of the
18th century, Sir William Jones, who was responsible for the Museum Movement with
establishment of the “Asiatic Society of Bengal” in 1784 and for the first time in 1796, the
same society started allowing the people to visit and see the valuable collections. In 1814,
the same Asiatic Society of Bengal at Calcutta appointed Dr.Nathaniel Wallich as an
Honorary Officer of the Museum and he was a Danish Botanist.

In 1828, in South India for the first time at Madras “Madras Literary Society” has
come forwarded to start a Museum for “Economic Geology” and whole responsibility has
been given to Surgeon Edward Green Bal Foor in 1850. He was successfully opened the
Museum in 1851. After this, in India many small and big Museums started functioning,
and in undivided India and Pakistan, in 1851 a Museum opened in Karachi. In South India,
in 1857, at Thiruvananthapuram first Museum was opened. But after the first Indian
Independence struggle started in 1857, the whole political scenario have changed in the
country and the Museums and other cultural activities and developments have been
completely ceased till the beginning of 1860s’. In 1863 two Museums opened, one in
Lucknow and other one at Nagapur. The first Museum in Karnataka started functioning in
1865 at Bangalore.

In 1867 two more Museums started functioning, one in Delhi, a citizen Museum
and another in Faisalabad which is presently in Pakistan.

Interesting, for the first time in 1873 a Folklore Museum was started in Sweden for
the education purpose. This was well accepted and has created a new trend and many more
Museums came into existence in England and also in many more European countries. The
main purpose behind this is to give proper education to peoples through the good
collections which has to create curiosity in the minds of the peoples about historically
important antiquities and folkloristic artefacts and also on art objects.

From 1868 onwards many more Museums have started functioning in North India
as well as in South India which is sustainable to our present society and also from 1865 to
1893 many new Museums opened in many parts of the country. A great dramatist Bernard
Shaw said “A Museum is the most depressing place on the earth” during that time it was

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true. In 1910 the President, Board of Museums Trustees, Asutosh Mookarjee said “But I
regret, with a feeling of disappointment that when I examine the history of the Indian
Museums from the point of view of its third function as powerful instrument for the
instruction for the public. I cannot say that the fullest measure of success has been
achieved”.

1.3 MUSEUM MOMENTUM

There was a new movement emerged in the establishment and opening of

Museums in the country after Independence (1947) and after the division of India and
Pakistan Museum activity got its momentum. In 1946 there was a big proposal to start a
National Museum at New Delhi. But, because of financial crises it was not done.
Meanwhile, on 15th August, 1949 a new Museum started functioning at Rashtrapati
Bhavan, New Delhi. Today it became very important, excellent with good display
techniques used in the galleries and it became best Museum of the country. In this
Museum the original constitution written by Dr.B.R.Ambedkar is displayed adopting all
modern display techniques.

After that, in 1955 our first Prime minister of the country, Jawaharlal Nehru laid
the foundation stone to build National Museum at New Delhi and it was finally opened on
18th December, 1960. This is the first Museum in the country which has been adopting a
good concept of our own Museum architecture and also Museum ecology. I think this, the
architecture of Museum must be made for all the upcoming Museums of the country.

There was a big problem of protecting, preserving and conducting survey for our
ancient antiquities and undeclared monuments. Alexander Cunningham did a continuous
work and research in India for studying archaeologically important sites and antiquities.
Though he was an army Engineer and he worked with James Princep in his research on the
decipherment of Ashok an Brahmi script when he was getting his free time.

Alexander Cunningham shown keen interest in the study of ancient archaeological

monuments, antiquities and ancient sites in India and impressed the Governor General
Lord Canning for a systematic study. In 1848 Cunningham wrote a big article about urgent
need of protecting Indian ancient cultural property, preservation and the responsibilities of
British Government and published in Asiatic Society Journal. But, it was not so useful in

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getting same attraction from Government. But, he continued his good efforts in doing so.
Finally he impressed Lord Canning by writing a letter about the urgent need for a
systematic exploration and opening Museums in India. Accordingly, in 1861 Lord
Canning established the “Archaeological Survey of India” and appointing Alexander
Cunningham as the first Archaeological Surveyor to conduct proper exploration and
opening Museums. After the establishment of “Archaeological Survey of India” (ASI) the
activity of opening new Museums created a strong and important momentum and
Alexander Cunningham has been called as “The Father of Indian Archaeology”.

1.4 DEFINITION, AIM AND SCOPE

Definition: As have already said that there was no Museums in India about 250
years back only Rich people, Kings, Britisher used to collect or purchase ancient curious,
attractive and interested objects as their hobby and converting one of the rooms in the
house as a stone house or a gallery of collected objects till the establishment of Museums.
Simply say, Museums started just as dump-yards in the house with attractive objects, art
objects and artefacts of our country and slowly these collected objects and galleries
became “Power House of Museums” and got its own definitions.

Museum got many definitions and became important and time to time many
scholars and museologist coined different definitions and here I am giving few important
definitions.

What is a Museum?

a) “Museum is scientifically, architecturally and ecologically designed structure to

save, protect, preserve and restore conserve our own past or Ancient Cultural
Heritage”.

b) “Museum is a centre of History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Sculptures, Art

objects and Paintings”.

c) Museum is nothing but an Educational Institution with Material Culture of our past
Cultural and Art objects collections.

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 d) To the development of sustainable society a good scientifically designed Museum
is very important.

e) Museums are very good cultural, historical sustainable collections of antiquities,

artifacts, coins, art objects, paintings which are useful for researchers, students’
general public and educative centre for healthy and good society of the country and
also Museums are good cultural centre and good destiny for sustainable heritage
tourism hub for Indian and Foreign tourists.

According to Ashoka Vardhan, “Museums are complex institutions of integration of

various Cultures, Tangible and Intangible traditions, exhibit the man-nature relationship,
biological evolution and technology and promote education and research activities. And in
elaborating manner the Museums stand for the holistic presentation of the past and present
Museums have came up with people’s inspirations in terms of promoting and safeguarding
the aspirations and interests of various communities on single platform. Museum provides
classified research and reference material for scientists and research scholars and play key
role in propagation of mass education. Museum is an ideal place for the discourse on
various socio-cultural issues”.

Aim: Within the last few decades there emerged a new movement where Museums are not
only places for entertainment but provide infinite opportunities for eager researchers to
enrich their knowledge base through objects and associated paraphernalia in the Museum
environs. The role and responsibility of Museologists have changed from stereotype
practices to multidisciplinary approaches of the role of local communities, local
knowledge system and local environment have been immensely significant. The cultural
heritage, landscapes, Industrial sites, deserted villages, biological parks, architecture,
environment conservation and conservation of species have prompted the new Museum
movement.

There are different types of Museums in the country and which may be of one
discipline or different subject oriented Museums can be seen in the country, but the
purpose is same. There are so many examples for both the types of Museums and it may of
Central Government, State Government or Private Museums.

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Scope: The purpose of opening Museum and aim is to save, scientifically conserve, protect
and give proper knowledge and education to next generation about our past history, culture
and Heritage of a place region, nation or nature. It is the primary duty of all the citizens of
our country to protect all our own cultural and historical objects and antiquities and
preserve them in a scientific way either in Museums or in any of our own place. The aim
and scope of all the Museums, staff from Director to gallery guards is to collect the very
important and unique type of antiquities and objects for all Museums and they should
classify it properly before putting them in show-case of a gallery it should be chemically
cleaned, preserve them properly and display them with a small historical note. This will
serve the aim and scope of the Museums. This will help the students, research scholars and
educate the general public. That means, aims and scope of the Museums. The Director,
Museum staff and the scholars who collects the Museum objects from different sources
which in term creates maximum scope for the study of Museology. The Museum is built to
save, protect our Culture, History, Folk tradition, Paintings other things to give proper
chronological history, knowledge and education to the next generation of a region, place or
nation. That is way all the industries of the country which have completed one hundred
years are opening their own Museum.

Presently, in India, the Museums are doing good job for collecting all type of
antiquities, artifacts of History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Folklore and other paintings
and art objects. After collection Museum staff are doing best job and doing classification,
chemical cleaning, preserving them and use good scientific display technique using laws
and methodology of Museology following chronological order. Museum staff, in all the
time using their best knowledge and history of the object and artifacts they prepare the
label, with antiquity number and accession number along with brief history of the object or
antiquity. This method is followed by all the Museums in the country from the beginning.
Now, the people say it is ancient method and they speak about modern digital technology
in display and as well as in other methodology. Of course, it has to change and new
technical methods have to be introduce.

In one of the functions of hundred years celebration of Museums, in 1910 the

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Museums Asuthosh Mookarjee in his inaugural
speech said like this “But I regret to confess, with a feeling of disappointment that, when I
examine the history of the Indian Museums from the point of view of its third function as a
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powerful instrument for the instruction of the public I cannot say that the fullest measure
of success has been achieved”. It is true to the best of my knowledge also even today the
views of general public are not changed. Some of them worship the exhibits. The
Museums should become purely strong media of knowledge and proper education about
our culture, heritage and history.

Regarding the opening of Museums in the Universities of India, only few

universities have introduced Museology Course to give proper education in higher
education system. For the first time in India in 1952 M.S. University of Baroda started
Master’s Degree in Museology to know more about Museums of India. In 1959, after
getting the permission from U.G.C. the University of Calcutta a higher education course
have been introduced for the students. After that in Bhopal, Aligarh, Pilani, Vadodhara and
Varanasi Universities have introduced Museology Courses in higher education by
preparing good syllabus and examination pattern with compulsory project works. But, so
far no Universtiy of Karnataka has come forward to introduce Master’s Degree Course in
Museology, knowing this, when I was a Chairman (2008-2010) of the Department of
Studies in Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Mysore designed and
introduced a P.G.Diploma in “Museology, Tourism and Heritage” (MTH) with the proper
approval from all the bodies of the University under Self-finance Scheme. Even another
Advance Diploma Course under U.G.C. Skill Development Program (2014-2018) in
SBRR Mahajana’s First Grade College, Mysore, now it is closed.

1.5 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

I. Fill in the Blanks:

1) Who is the Father of Indian Archaeology...............................

2) Asiatic Society of Bengal is present in......................................

II. Question to be answered in one line each:

3) Sanctuary of Muses Word taken from......................................

4) Ashuthosh Mookerjee was a Trustee for...................................

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III. Answer the following true or false:

5) First Folklore Museum is not started at Sweden. TRUE/FALSE✓

6) Archaeological Survey of India started functioning in 1861. TRUE✓/FALSE

IV. Select the correct answer:

7) Foundation Stone for National Museum is laid by

a) Mahatma Gandhi b) Jawaharlal Nehru✓

c) Lal Bahadur Shastri d) P.V.Narasimha Rao

8) For the First time in India M.S. University of Baroda started Master’s Degree in
Museology in

a) 1952✓ b) 1960

c) 1950 d) 1970

Answer:

1) Alexander Cunningham

2) Calcutta

3) Greek

4) Chairman and Trustee for Board of Trustees of Museums, 1910

5) False

6) True

7) b) Jawaharlal Nehru

8) a) 1952

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1.6 SUMMARY:

The Unit-I contains objectives of the new subject under skill enhancement course is
useful to understand the subject properly by knowing the meaning and origin of the Word
Museology from Oxford University Dictionary. In the introductory part it makes you to
understand the name Museum and the concept.

Another point in the Unit makes you to know about history of the beginning of
Museology subject since its origin and also gives information about the origin of
Archaeological Survey of India, its first Director General and early formation of Museums.
British officers’ scientists and Geologists contribution to develop Museums. This unit will
also makes some points about Museum Momentum, Definitions, aim and Scope and gives
some points on what is a Museum, its Aims, scope and aspects of the subject.

Almost all points discussed here is supported with proper dates and while writing
the unit as for as possible chronological order have been followed and about introduction
of Museology Course in different universities.

1.7 KEYWORDS

• Definition for Museum taken from Oxford University Dictionary.

• “Sanctuary of Muses” word taken from Greek.

• “Asiatic Society of Bengal”, Calcutta.

• Sir William Jones

• Dr. Nathaniel Wallach, Danish Botanist

• Madras Literary Society

• “Economic Geology”

• Surgeon Edward Green Bal Foor, 1850

• Folklore Museum at Sweden

• Archaeologial Survey of India (ASI), 1861

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 • National Museum at New Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru

• Lord Canning

• Alexander Cunningham-“The Fahter of Indian Archaeology”

• “Power House of Museums”

• “Museums are Complex Institutions”

• Various Socio-Cultual Issues

• Ashuthosh Mookerjee

• M.S.University of Baroda

• University of Mysore

1.8 QUESTIONS FOR SELF-STUDY

1. Write a note on Definition, Aim and Scope of Museology.

2. Discuss the Origin and Development of Museums.

3. Write a note on History and Development of Museums in India.

4. Write briefly on contributions of British Scholars to Museology.

5. Write a note on Museology from your own words.

1.9 BOOKS FOR FURTHER STUDY:

1) Plenderleith, H.J., The Conservation of Antiquities and Work of Art, Oxford Press,
1962

2) Cunningham Alexander, Archaeological Survey of India Reports for the year 1871-
72, Vol. III, 1873

3) Nigam, M.L., Fundamentals of Museology, (Revised and Enlarged), Deva

Publications, Hyderabad, 1985,

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4) ¸ÀtÚAiÀÄå, ©.J¸ï., ªÀ¸ÀÄÛ¸ÀAUÀæºÁ®AiÀıÁ¸ÀÛçzÀ ªÀÄÆ®vÀvÀéUÀ¼ÀÄ
(PÀ£ÀßqÀPÉÌ C£ÀĪÁzÀ). PÀ£ÀßqÀ CzsÀåAiÀÄ£À ¸ÀA¸ÉÜ, ªÉÄʸÀÆgÀÄ
«±Àé«zÁ央AiÀÄ, 1984

5) Sarkar, H., Museums and Protection of Monuments and Antiquities in India,

Sandeep Prakashan, New Delhi, 1981

6) Markham, S.F. and Hargreaves, The Museums of India, London, 1936

7) Referred Unpublished Research Papers on Museology in International and National

Seminars and Conferences conducted by various Museums. The names of the
scholars.

a) Rangaraju, N.S., Professor

b) Dr.Ashok Vardhan, IGRMS

c) Kharbade, B.V., NRLC

d) Dr.Jayaraj, V., Egmore Govt. Musuem, Chennai and others.

Dr.N.S.RANGARAJU

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 UNIT-II
THEORIES OF MUSEOLOGY, LAWS, ACTS AND POLICIES,
RELATION BETWEEN MUSEUMS AND CONSERVATION

Structure

2.0 Objectives

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Unesco and Museology

2.3 Laws, Acts and Policies

2.4 Relation between Mueums and Conservation

2.5 Important Chemicals Used In the Laboratory

2.6 Answers to Check your progress

2.7 Summary

2.8 Keywords

2.9 Questions for self-Study

2.10 Books for further Study

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1.0 OBJECTIVES:

After studying this unit you will be able to,

• Understand the Theorizer of Museology
• Analyse the Laws of the Museology
• Narrates the Acts of Museology
• Discuss the Policies of Museology
• Explain the Relation Between Museum and Consecration

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Government of India and the State Governments are interested in fundamental
education to help people who have not had access to formal schooling to understand and
solve their immediate problems by their own efforts. As illiterate adults cannot be
educated through the written word substitute methods have to be found for their education
through visual aids. Here museums come a institutions of great utility. Methods of
communication which museums have been developing for decades can easily be adopted
for fundamental education. In our country all our schools and colleges should have small
museum of their own through the joint efforts of the teachers, students, government and
management of the institutions.

The usefulness of educational museums may be briefly stated s follows, as a recent

writer of Museology Course has classified like this.

A. Museums convey to the children a greater number of facts in less time than if these
were conveyed through words. The information about them can be more easily
assimilated by the children.

B. A number of facts can be presented simultaneously and the relation between them
can be presented with clearness.

C. The teacher and pupil can co-operate in the process of learning.

D. In colleges History and Archaeology Professors can use the objects and antiquities
as a teaching aid and it will give more practical knowledge with material culture
and evidence.

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 E. The impression obtained in childhood are most vivid and lasting and to the child’s
mind, knowledge is most welcome when its acquisition is flavoured with
entertainment. The best educational museums therefore provide information to the
children in the most attractive form.

F. Children are everywhere admitted freely and no pains are spared to make them feel
at home in the museum. To make the museum mean the most possible to the child.

2.2 UNESCO AND MUSEOLOGY

United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has a

division at Paris called the Division of Monuments and Museums which aims of
improving the standards of Museums work through international conferences and
discussions and technical aid the conservation restoration and preservation from war risks
of cultural objects and monuments all over the world, and this division publishes a very
high standard journal entitled “MUSEUM” which acts as a forum for the exchange of
ideas concerning museums on an International Council of Museums, also functions in
Paris and closely collaborates with the Monuments and Museums Division of the
UNESCO. The UNESCO believes that, apart from their traditional functions, museums
and does a great deal to improve International understanding. On the suggestion of the
UNESCO several progressive museums have organized didactic exhibitions aimed at the
easing of International tensions and the removal of prejudices.

One such exhibition was organized by the “Natural History Museum” of Vienna in
1951 to illustrate the theme “Mankind a Single Family”. The International Council of
Museums with the help of UNESCO has been recently holding several conferences on
education through museums, and UNESCO experts are at the moment helping South
America and Greece to organize educational museums. A small pamphlet on “Museums
and Young People” published by the International Council of Museums will be a special
interest to educationists of this country. It is clear from what Dr. Aiyappan, M.A., Ph.D.
from London, Former Superintendent, Madras Government Egmore Museum, what he said
above that the question of educational use of Museums is no longer a matter of concern to
a few isolated people, but is one of very wide international interest.

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 In India, one notes with regret that very little has been done to exploit the
educational possibilities of Museums. The direct educational work, that is, taking over the
work of the class room, is not part of the work of a museum, its primary task being the
collection, conservation, restoration and preservation of the cultural wealth of the country,
but a live museum, while performing its primary tasks can usefully engage itself in putting
its collections to the best use for largest number by using good display technique according
to museology methodology of gallery and showcase display technique with proper defused
lighting in the show-case and in the museum itself. But our Museums have been
concentrating on the conservation and preservational aspects of their work almost to the
exclusion of several other aspects of Museology and Museography. To make Archaeology
and History lessons more interesting and attractive with proper application of methodology
of our museology there should be good co-operation and co-ordination between the history
teachers and the staff of the Mueums than only the museums will become the centre for the
study and research.

COLLECTION OF ARTIFACTS AND ANTIQUITIES:

There is always a general question from public, students and researchers, is that,
from where you will get all these objects and antiquities to Museums. For the people who
are working in the museums and in the teaching profession they struggle to collect them
chemically clean them, means doing conservation, Restoration, Preservation and follow
the technique of Museology for display in the museums.

There are so many ways to collect the objects, artefacts and antiquities. And most
of the time it will be scientific way of collections.

a) Archaeological field explorations

b) Scientific Archaeological Excavations

c) Purchases from Government and from private people

d) Gifts from general public, temples and others

e) Folkloristic collections from people and field work

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 f) Collections of Tribal people cultural objects most probably for Anthropoligical or
sociological study

g) Collection of different art objects from different sources

h) Purchase from different sources

i) Loans from other Museums and general public

j) Exchanges from other Museums

k) Deposits from different sources

l) Bequest Legacy left by will by general public

m) Treasure Trove and other acts confiscation

n) From any other sources.

2.3 LAWS, ACTS AND POLICIES:

The Laws and Acts of Museums are not different from the Archaeological Legal
Acts. There were no separate existence particular laws or legal acts for archaeology and
also for museology until 1878 and time to time as for the requirement it has been amended
as follows:

a) The Indian Treasure Trove Act was introduced in 1878

b) The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act first came into
existence in 1904 and re-amended in 1951, 1958 and 2010-11 it holds good.

c) The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act-1972

d) Laws of Archaeology-Monuments Preservation Act re-amended in March 2010.

In India First Prehistoric antiquity was discovered by Robert Bruce Foote, the
father of India prehistory at Pallavaram, Tamilnadu and identified as “Hand-Axe”.

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WHAT IS AN ANTIQUITY?

It is evident by now that in India legislations “Monuments” and “Antiquities have

been their own definitions”. Indian Constitution is the mother of all acts”.

“But according to H.Sarkar there is no mention of word Antiquity in the

Constitution of India”.

ANTIQUITY:

“Which is concerning about movable A thing which have been artificially made by
man and which is one hundred years old well be declared as Antiquities. It has to be
Registered in any of the Archaeology Departments like Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI) or any State Government”.

That may be stone tools, Bond tools, Meal objects, Wooden artefacts, Coins,
Jewels, Potteries, Artefacts, Sculptures, Art objects, Bricks, Terracotta objects, Ivory,
Shell or any other Artefacts, means which must have been completed one hundred
years old. It must be registered in any of the Archaeology Departments.

As a logical corollary to the provisions in the Constitution of India, each state should
have its own Department of Archaeology and Museums as also the legislation for
preservation of antiquities and monuments which are not of National importance. (If
the Archaeological Survey of India people ask for such monuments to declare as
National importance state has to give it to them). At present practically all the State
Governments have their own Departments of Archaeology Museums while their
legislation follow basically the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and
Archaeological Sites and Remains Act-1958. More over the enforcement of the Indian
Treasure Trove Act-1878 vests with states, though originally it was a Central Act. A
onetime it was only legislation to deal effectively with the treasures found accidently.
This law has been in force for more than 145 years.

THE INDIAN TREASURE-TROVE ACT-1878 (CªÀÄÆ®å ¸ÀA¥ÀvÀÄÛ ¤¢ü):

This legislation has been passed in the last quarter of the lat century book and its
contribution to the preservation of India Cultural Wealth. Here is a legislation which

6
judged even by a present day standards is striking for its provisions they include the
compulsory declaration of archaeological discoveries by the finder and the acquisition
by the state of important objects on payment of compensation. (A Ghosh 1958)

LORD LYTTON:

Lord Lytton, the Governor General and Viceroy in India, in April 1878 has decided
to introduce the Indian Treasure-Trove legislation soon after his assumption of the
office. “The Gazette of India”, 1876 contains its statement of objects and Reasons. But
for a few minor changes, the act has been not undergone substantial modifications
despite long unchequed history.

The section 2 of the original Act and its schedule were repeated by the Amending
Act-1891 (XII of 1891).

Further, some minor changes of administrative nature were carried out after the
Government of India Act-1935.

Example: “Local Government” were replaced by India (Adoption of Indian Laws)

Order 1937.

Originally its jurisdiction was over the whole of British India which included
modern states of Bangladesh, Burma and Pakistan.

Adoption of Central Acts and Ordinances order 1948 substituted “all the
provinces” of India for the words “the whole of British India”.

The India Treasure – Trove Act-1878 defines “Treasure” as. “Anything of any
value hidden in the soil or in anything affixed there to”.

But this treasure is of consequence provided it to fulfil two criteria.

1) The amount or value of treasure exceeds Ten Rupees and

2) That it is proved to have been hidden one hundred years before the date of
finding.

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 This, very time-limit has been adopted later on for defining a Monument,
Archaeological Site an Antiquities. (For manuscripts, records or documents the time now
stipulated being 75 years). It is same for all subsequent legislations.

The “Treasure” according to the meaning of this Act has no relationship what so
ever with “Art Treasure” as defined in the Antiquities an Art Treasure Act, 1972”.

Because, “Art Treasure”, according to the last mentioned Act “Means Any Human
work of art not being an Antiquity, declared by the Central Government for the purposes
of this Act having regard to its artistic or aesthetic value provided that no declaration under
this clause shall be made in respect of any such work of art so long as the author there of is
alive.

THE ANCIENT MONUMENTS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND

REMAINS ACT-1958:

The Previous Act: The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act-1904 shall cease and
has been super-seeded by the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains
Act came into existence in 1958. This 1958 Act is applicable only for the ancient
monuments and Archaeological Sites, which may be excavated or not excavated and
Remains.

2.4 RELATION BETWEEN MUEUMS AND CONSERVATION

The relation between Museums and Conservation is like two faces of a coin each
very standard museum must have its own chemical laboratory and chemists. But in present
scenario of Globalization people are forgetting our own cultural and historical property
and preservation nature, culture, heritage and museum objects or antiquities. Today there is
a bigger responsibility of the concerned our younger generation globally.

EVOLUTION OF CONSERVATION IN INDIA:

The conservation branch of the Archaeological Survey of India was established in

1917 in Dehradune for the conservation restoration and preservation of archaeological
antiquities and monuments. The conservation chemistry (today this science of conservation
subject is called as archaeo-chemistry and archaeo-physics) in India was assigned to
Dr.R.K.Sharma as the first Director (Science) in 1917. Madras Government Museums was
8
the first of its kind to establish a conservation laboratory in 1930 with the appointment of
Dr.S.Paramasivan and development by N.Harinarayana subsequently. Even now, in this
Egmore Museum Scientific practical training is given to Museum keepers of the country.
In 1950 National Museum, New Delhi, established its own conservation laboratory.
Conservation scientists like T.Q.Gairola, Dr.O.P.Agarwal, A.S. Bisht have contributed
much to the National Museum, New Delhi. In 1960 Salarajan Museum Hyderabad and
Calcutta Museum started their own chemical laboratories. It is needless to state that in
recent years there has been a rapid growth in conservation awareness in India. Under the
guidance of International Organizations such as UNESCO an ICOM (International Council
of Museums) several museums laboratories and National Institutes have been established.
Today, there are more than one hundred museum conservation laboratories instituted all
over India.

At New Delhi in 1979 National Research Laboratory the conservation of cultural

property was established by Dr.O.P.Agarwal and later it was shifted to Lucknow to cater to
the National Conservation requirements and to carry out research programmes in the
conservation of cultural properties, Dr.Tejsingh heads it. Its one more branch, the Regional
Conservation Laboratory (NRLC) was established at Mysore in 1987. Kharbade was
research officer for long period and I was Advisory Board member along with
Dr.M.S.Nagaraja Rao for long time. Recently the National Trust for Art and Cultural
Heritage (INTACH) has established the Indian Conservation Institute with the efforts of
Dr.O.P.Agarwal, The retired Director of the NRLC. It has its branches at Bangalroe,
Bhuvaneshwar, New Delhi, Rampur, Trissur, National Museum, New Delhi has started the
National Museum Institute in which Conservation is one of the Departments, which is
haded by Dr.I..Bhatnagar. The Indian Association for the study of Conservation of
Cultural Property is committed to conservation personnel and profession in the country.
The present president is the author and the Secretariat is at National Museum, New Delhi
S.P.Singh, the Chief Restorer in the National Museum, New Delhi in the present Secretary.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONSERVATION, RESTORATION AND

PRESERVATION:

These days the term conservation, rather than restoration, is preferred and it has a
broader meaning. Restoration means any action taken in order to try to return the object, as

9
far as possible, to its original physical and aesthetic condition it attempts to rectify the
results of deterioration, it has a limited purpose and has a beginning and an end.
Conservation on the other hand, has much wider scope. It has been defined on any action
taken to determine the nature defined or properties of materials used in any kind of cultural
holdings or in their in housing handling or treatment, any action taken to understand and
control the causes of deterioration, and any action taken or better te condition of such
holdings. Conservation is a concept, therefore, which includes “Preventive Conservation
and Curative Conservation. Preservation or preventive conservation apparently makes an
attempt to maintain the object in a sound physical and condition. It is therefore, an
unending process.

PREVENTIVE CONSERVATION:

The word preventive conservation of all museum objects is a new concept in

Museology.

a) It is based on the principles of “Prevention is better than Cure”.

b) It is very important concept to protect and preserve the all antiquities and art
objects and printings for next generation.

c) It is a concept to maintain and protect all kind of objects antiquities in the

Museums.

d) The main concept and intention of Museology is to keep and exhibit all objects
without doing any damage.

e) Keeping the objects away from exercises light, fire and human negligence.

f) Keeping away from human damages caused by human being like careless-handling
by the staff of museum, visitors touching the objects and doing damages, theft,
vandalism and humidity and temperature.

g) Miss-handling, improper Air-Conditioner and keeping cooler in improper place and

have keep-way from direct sun-light.

h) Care should be taken in the store-rooms of antiquities and objects.

10
 i) Care should be taken to prevent Rudents, Ants and White-ants and insects and
Fungus and from Bacteria.

j) Store-rooms are the mother of all bio-deterioration.

k) There will be Natural deterioration for all museum objects and care should be
taken.

There are the few very important factors which cause damages to museum objects care
should be taken to prevent and to protect from further deterioration is nothing but
preventive conservation. But, if already damages are caused naturally or by external
agencies or from different kinds bacteria, humidity or excess heat or temperature chemical
treatment must be given. Chemical treatment is must for Bio-deterioration, Natural
Deterioration and damages caused due to human factors.

What are Conservation, Restoration and Preservation?

Conservation-is one, if any damages caused by the above said factors and bringing back
to same shape by minding after doing physical examination by using proper instruments
and it’s called Archaeo-Physics.

Restoration-is also very important for brining artefacts or antiquities back to original
condition and shape by doing chemical-treatment by using reduction-method of
conservation by using mild-acids, salts and other chemicals. It is called Archaeo-
Chemistry. “With knowing the chemistry of the chemicals the laboratory staffs are not
allowed to use the chemicals”.

Preservation-After doing the conservation and restoration to Museum objects, artefacts,

antiquities and art objects a preservative coating will be given to them it’s a pure chemical
treatment and again it is also a part of Archaeo-Chemistry. That is why we always suggest,
each chemical laboratory there should be and must be a chemist, with a knowledge of
chemicals must be appointed as Archaeo-Chemist, M.Sc., in Organic Chemistry is a must.

2.5 IMPORTANT CHEMICALS USED IN THE LABORATORY

11
 Before using any chemicals one should do the physical examination of antiquities
to know the strength, physical appearance, condition, damages caused by nature, human
being or Bio-Deterioration and other things like size, shape, weight, colour and other
things should be done at the most accuracy by using apparatus of Physics Department and
hence called as Archaeo-Physics. After knowing the proper physical strength of the
museum objects than the chemical treatment is given by using following chemicals. Most
of the time it will be mild acids, hydroxides and other things. Chemical treatment should
be given in well equipped laboratory with the help of chemist or Archaeo-chemist.

Some important Chemicals:

1) Citric Acid
2) Formic Acid
3) Carbolic Acid
4) Phosphoric Acid
5) Furmise Power mixed Kerosene (only for Iron objects)
6) Acetone
7) Alchohal
8) Dilute Nitric Acid (10% solution in water)
9) Dilute Hydrochloric Acid (10% solution in water)
10) Kerosene (Only for strengthening prehistoric Iron tools cleaning)
11) Liquid Ammonia (NH3)
12) Distilled Water
13) Sodium Hydroxide
14) Potassium Hydroxide
15) Calcium Hydroxide
16) Palivilla Acetone (PVA) (10% solution) (for preservation)
17) Molten Paraffin wax
18) Rochilla salt solution

Many more such chemicals used in the laboratory depending upon the strength and
stability of artefacts and antiquities. Each object needs different type of chemicals for
cleaning, restoring and preserving them. When keeping the museum objects in show-cases
crystals of silica-jell will be kept in a small watch-glass depending open the size of the
12
show-cases. If there is “Bio-deterioration” extra care should be taken for restoration
conservation and preservation.

CONCLUSION:

The theories of Museology are very interesting with introduction of Laws, Acts and
Policies. For Indians it is a new concept and only after the introduction of Treasure-
Trove Act in 1878 and other Laws and Acts. The policies of UNESCO and Archaeological
Survey of India became strength for the growth of Museology.

The Chemical Conservation, Restoration and Preservation of Museum objects is

more scientific and modern science and Archaeology subjects like Archaeo-Chemistry,
Archaeo-Physics, Archaeo-Botony, Archaeo-Zoology, Archaeo-Geology and other alloyed
subjects helpful for the strength and growth of the subject, Museology.

2.6 ANWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS:

I. Fill in the blanks:

1) Name the high standard journal published by the division of UNESCO division at
Paris.....................
2) Name the place and date where the Natural History Museum organized to illustrate
the theme “Mankind a Single Family” at.................

II. Question to be Answer in one line each:

3) In India in 1878 an Act have been passed to confiscation of
Antiquities.....................
4) What is an Antiquity?

III. Answer the following true or false:

5) Metal objects are called as Terracotta objects.
6) Lord Lytton, the Governor General and Viceroy Introduce “The India Treasure-
Trove Act”.

IV. Answer the following multiple choice question:

13
 7) The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act came into
existence in
(A) 1958 (B) 1968 (C) 1857 (D) 1903

8) At New Delhi in 1979 National Research Laboratory for the Conservation of

Cultural Properties was established by:
(A) M.S.Nagaraja Rao (B) O.P.Agarwal
(C) N.S.Rangaraju (D) A.V.Narasimha Murthy

ANSWER:

1) “MUSEUM”

2) Vienna-1951

3) “The Indian Treasure-Trove Act

4) A thing which have been artificially made by man and must be

5) hundred years old.

6) ‘False’

7) ‘True’

8) ‘A’

9) ‘B’

2.7 SUMMARY

The theories of Museology Laws, Acts and Policies relation between museums and
conservation is a new subject and concept introduced in India from 1878 with a new
“Indian Treasure-Trove Act to give some stability and force for confiscation of antiquities

14
from earth. Explorations and Excavations, donations and other means helped to established
new museums.

This unit will help us to prove that museums are not just dump-yard. There are so
many other laws and acts are helping to collect antiquities, artefacts and other art objects.
It also mentions about the importance of chemical laboratory for scientific cleaning,
conservation, restoration and preservation of museum object. It also mentions about new
archaeological subject and chemical used for doing chemical cleaning and for
preservation.

2.8 KEY WORDS

• Name of the unique journal “MUSEUM”

• Different Acts laws
• UNESCO Pamphlet and Museology
• “Mankind a Single Family”
• Museums and Young People
• Collection of Antiquities and Artefacts
• Robert Bruce Foote, H.Sarkar, Lord Lytton
• The Whole of British India
• Establishment of Conservation branch of the Archaeological Survey of India-1917
in Dehrabune
• Dr.R.K.Sharma-First Director-1917
• O.P.Agarwal-established National Research Laboratory at New Delhi, in 1979
• Other key words are Conservation, Restoration, Preservation, Archaeo-Physics,
Archaeo-Chemistry and so on.

2.9 QUESTIONS FOR SELF-STUDY

1) Write a note on the Treasure-Troe Act.

2) What is Bio-Deterioration?
3) Write a note on importance of Chemical Laboratory
4) Analyse the importance of Antiquity
5) Examine the relationship between Museums and Conservation.

15
2.10 BOOKS FOR FURTHER STUDY:

1) Nigam, M.K., Fundamentals of Museology (Revised and Enlarged), Deva

Publications, Hyderabad, 1985
2) Agrawal, O.P., Preservation of Art Objects and Library Materials, published by
the Director, National Book Trust, India, New Delhi, 1999
3) Hand Book of Museum Technique, Edited by Aiyappan, A. and Satyamurti,
S.T., published by the Principal Commissioner of Museums, Govt Museum,
Chennai, 1998
4) Plenderleith, H.J., The Conservation of Antiquities an Work of Art, Oxford Press,
1962
5) Cunningham Alexander, Archaeological Survey of India Reports for the Year
1871-72, Vol. III, 1873
6) B.V.Kharbade, Bhatia, S.K., Preventive Conservation of Museum Objects,
NRLC, 2003
7) ¸ÀtÚAiÀÄå, ©.J¸ï., ªÀ¸ÀÄÛ¸ÀAUÀæºÁ®AiÀıÁ¸ÀÛçzÀ
ªÀÄÆ®vÀvÀéUÀ¼ÀÄ (PÀ£ÀßqÀPÉÌ C£ÀĪÁzÀ), PÀ£ÀßqÀ CzsÀåAiÀÄ£À
¸ÀA¸ÉÜ, ªÉÄʸÀÆgÀÄ «±Àé«zÁ央AiÀÄ, ªÉÄʸÀÆgÀÄ, 1984
8) Jayraj, V., Handbook on Conservation in Museums, published by Commissioner
of Museums, Govt. Museum, Chennai, 2002.
(Dr.N.S.RANGARAJU)

16
 UNIT-III

TYPES AND FUNCTIONS OF MUSEUMS, EXAMPLE: NATIONAL

MUSEUM (NATIONAL MUSEUM, NEW DELHI, INDIAN MUSEUSM
KOLKATA, SALARJUNG MUSEUM, HYDERABAD,
CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ VASTU SANGRAHALAYA,
MUMBAI)

3.0 Objectives

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Functions of Museums:

3.3 National Museum, New Delhi

3.4 Indian Museum Kolkata:’

3.5 Salarjung Museum, Hyderabad

3.6 Architecture and History

3.7 Answers to check your progress

3.8 Summary

3.9 Keywords

3.10 Questions for self-Study

3.11 Books for further Study

1
3.0 OBJECTIVES:

After studying this unit you will be able to,

• Analyse the Types of Museums
• Examine the Function of Museums
• Explain the Structure of National Museums
• Discuss the Museums of Accor’s India

1.1 INTRODUCTION:

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MUSEUMS IN INDIA:

(Varieties of Museums)

1. Historical Museum
2. Archaeological Museum
3. Cultural Museum
4. Industrial Museum (All 100 years Industries should have their own Museum)
5. Folklore Museum
6. Natural History Museum
7. Agricultural Museum
8. Technical Museum
9. Private Museums
10. Open Air Museum
11. Site Museum
12. Manuscripts Museum
13. Art Galleries Museum
14. Sculptural Museum
15. Biology Museum (Botany & Zoological)
16. Geological Museum
17. Textile Museum
18. Children Museum
19. Coins (Numismatics) Museum
20. Epigraphy Museum (Mysore)
21. Railway Museum (Mysore)
22. Police Museum

2
 23. Temple Museum
24. Police Museum (Mysore)
25. Vintage Car Museum
26. Popular Museum
27. Tribal Study Museum
28. Sand Museum (Mysore)
29. Shell Museum (Mysore)
30. Wax Museum (Mysore)
31. Single Person’s Achievement Museum
32. Science Museum (Other than Botany and Zoology)

3.2 FUNCTIONS OF MUSEUMS

The major achievement of these museums should function as in the laws and acts
of museology. For smooth functioning of a museum the greater responsibility is there in
the hands of museum staff and their commitment. A survey conducted by O.P.Agarwal in
1999 syas there are 400 mueums in the country. But, today it is more than 500-600
museums a separate qualified staff will be appointed depending upon the strength of the
collections. If, it is a small study or research museum only Curator and Assistant Curator
will handle the museum objects with proper display technique.
A full-fledged museum will have following staff.
1. Director
2. Deputy Director
3. Assistant Director
4. Curators for different section
5. Assistant Curators
6. Gallery guards
7. Cleaning staff
8. Chemical Laboratory in charge chemist and Assistants
9. Official Photographer
10. Designer and Modellers
11. Ticket Counter staff and office staff
12. Luggage Clock Room Assistants
13. Garden Department
3
 14. Parking Area staff
15. Security People
16. Guides

These people will help and take care of smooth functioning of a museum. It is well
known that “Prevention is better than cure”, is the responsibility of the staff to take care in
display, handling, storage, packing, transportation of museum objects, maintenance of
optimum conditions of ‘relative humidity’ and the temperature and control of air pollution
and dust are the main responsibilities of the staff for smooth functioning of all type of
above mentioned museums, besides, avoiding unnecessary expenditure on maintenance
and functioning. The greater responsibility will be there on the part of Director as well as
Curators of different sections.
3.3 NATIONAL MUSEUM, NEW DELHI

When there were no many museums in India, particularly before independence

even the conservation laboratory also. After the establishment of Madras Government
Museum at Egmore, the Government of India also started thinking to establish a full
fledged International Standard National Museum at New Delhi and it is also called as
National Museum. After the division of India and Pakistan museum activity got its
momentum. In 1946 there was a big proposal for building a National Museum by the
Gwyer committee. Sir Maurice Gwger, the Vice-chancellor of Delhi University and former
chief justice of India headed the committee and Sir Mortimer Wheeler, (was handing the
Archaeological Survey of India and he was also called as Father of Indian Scientific
Excavation), was one of the members. But, because of the financial crises it was not done.
Meanwhile, on 15th August, 1949 a new Museum started functioning at Rashtrapati
Bhavan, New Delhi. In 1955 our first Prime Minister of the country, Jawaharlal Nehru laid
the foundation stone to build a “National Museum of India” at New Delhi and it was
finally opened on 18th December, 1960. This was the first museum in the country which
has been adopting a good concept of our own museum architecture and also museum
ecology. I think, this is the best museum architecture in the country and must be made for
all the upcoming museums in India. In 1960 a well established conservation laboratory
also started functioning with the appointment of good conservation scientists like
T.R.Gairola and Dr.O.P.Agarwal and A.S.Bisht. All of them contributed much to the
National Museum.

4
 National museum became very important in the country, attracted and encouraged
many scholars, students and public to think differently about the objects and antiquities on
display by placeing them with in a broad historical context and allowing the objects to
speak for a larger representation outside of itself. For the first time, for many objects and
sculptures a teak-wood pedestal have been introduced and track lighting, air-conditioning-
vents, large glass show-cases and scientific display techniques got the international
recognition to museum.

DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS AND COLLECTIONS:

As we all know it is the first National Museum of the country and it is having
different departments with huge collections of objects and artefacts represents all
disciplines like:
1. Archaeology
2. Anthropology
3. Prehistory
4. Harappan Culture (Proto-History)
5. History
6. Epigraphy and Numismatics
7. Manuscripts
8. Arms and Armoury
9. Paintings
10. Central Asian Antiquities
11. Decorative Arts
12. Pre-Colombian Art
13. Jewellery
14. Public Relations
15. Publications

Very important is the conservation laboratory and Department started in 1960 and many
other departments are also there.

The collections ranges from Archaeology, sculptures in stone, bronze, terracotta,

inscriptions, coins from early historic times, Tribal and ethnic artefacts of Anthropology,
Tanjore and Mysore style Paintings, Textiles, Miniatures, Mansuscripts (these artefacts are

5
easily eaten by Bacteria and insects is called as Bio-Deterioration), hence care should be
taken for protection and the scope of Museology.

There are many early historic dynasties like Maurian, Kushanas, Guptas,
Shatavahana and other period good number of rare sculptures, coins and other antiquities
have been displayed with utmost care using the techniques of display methods. There are
more than two lacks of art objects, antiquities sculptures have been exhibited in this
museum. The same amount of art objects, sculptures and antiquities have been kept in the
safe custody and also in store-rooms. Some important of them regularly exhibited on a
rotational basis or in temporary exhibitions.

The very important and various artefacts from the Harappan Civilization and has
got the world’s most representative collections over 3500 antiquities that are on permanent
loan from Archaeological Survey of India. The most important and famous among them is
the “nude Bronze Dancing Girl”. Other important antiquities are Terracotta image,
“Mother Goddess” depiction of “Pasupati that has been interpreted as proto-Shiva”. Apart
from these there are Bone objects, Ivory, terracotta, Semi-precious stones, Bronze
sculptures, Toy-cart, climbing monkey, Bull, Painted potteries, beads and other objects
have been exhibited and it is only one National Museum having rare original antiquities of
Harappa Culture, earlier it was called as Indus Valley Civilization.
There are many other galleries which are equally important, “a history student has
to visit this National Museum in his life time”. The other two important departments are,
one is international standard old chemical laboratory and there is also a National Museum
Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology established in 1983 in the first
floor of the National Museum and also has got University since 1989, which is offering
Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree Level Courses in History, Conservation and
Mueology with the assistance from Archaeological Survey of India.
3.4 INDIAN MUSEUM KOLKATA

History of origin and development of museums in India, starts from this Calcutta
Museum in the end of 18th century. Sir William Jones, who is completely responsible for
the establishment of the “Asiatic Society of Bengal” in 1784 and for the first time, in 1796
Asiatic Society started a museum to exhibit the man-made artefacts by using locally
available natural objects and allowing the people to see enjoy. on 1814, February, 2nd

6
Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish Botanist was appointed by Asiatic Society Bengal at Calcutta
as first Honorary Curator, because he wrote a letter to the Council of the Asiatic Society
for the formation of a museum out of his own collection. As a curator he proposed five
sections like Zoological, Geological, Archaeological, Ethnological and a Technical. The
society immediately accepted the proposal and the galleries or sections were created in the
museum. Curator, Wallich also donated his personal collection of botanical specimens to
museum. In 1815 William Lloyd Gibbons, Assistant Secretary and Librarian, was
appointed as Joint Secretary of the museum.

This was the first museum creation in the country by the Asiatic Society with five
galleries in the beginning and added Botanical specimens section and hence Indian
Museum in Calcutta became the earliest museum. In 1840, the Government took a keen
interest in Geological and Mineral resources with the help of an additional grant of Rs.250
per month. Later in 1851, Geological Survey of India came into existence in a rented
building in No.1, Hastings Road, Calcutta.

In 1886, on the foundation day of the Indian Museum, a Museum Act was passed.
In 1875 the present museum building, on Chowringee Road, now it is called as Jawaharlal
Nehru Road was designed by W.L.Granville in consultation with Sir Thomas Holland
completed on the Chowringee Road. This new building of mueum had been architecturally
designed as the site for not just the Asiatic Societies, Oriental Museum’s collection and the
Economic Geology collections of the Geological Survey of India but, for also to hold the
offices of both.

MUSEUM COLLECTIONS AND GALLERIES:

1) Egyptian well restored Mummy.

2) Ancient and Medieval collections of Indian artefacts like Buddhist stupa, Brahmi
scripts inscribed Bharhut panels, remains of later Amaravati stupa, Prehistoric
animals, Fossil skeletons, Lion capital of Ashoka and many other sculptures and
artefacts.

3) Natural History Gallery with four different sections like Mammal, Botanical, Insect
and Bird gallery. There are prehistoric artefacts such as the huge skeleton of
Dinosaur etc.,

7
 There are many educative and attractive galleries like Elephant skeleton, Terracotta
figurines, pots and jars, different type of Fossils gallery etc...

3.5 SALARJUNG MUSEUM, HYDERABAD

This is one of the important museums with best personal collection of artefacts and
huge museum in South India and present in Hyderabad. Most of the personal portraits and
the other belongings of a family displayed in this museum go a long way in recreating the
life and times of the Salarjung. The earliest of the ancestors, Shaikh Ovais Qarni, has been
represented through a portrait. It is interesting to know that there are six generations
personal belongings, portraits, Textiles and other antiquities in this big museum.

The portrait starts from:

1) Mir Alam

2) Munir-ul-Mulk-II

3) Mohammad Alikhan

4) Salar Jung-I

5) Salar Jung-II

6) Good number of oil paintings of Solar Jung-III (1889-1949) displaying various

facets of his personality. The two masnads, exhibiting golden Zari-work, with
canopies on Silver poles, which were used during the lifetime of Salar Jung-III and
his grandfather Salar Jung-I. The personal belongings, gifts and mementos received
by the Solar Jungs finds place in this museum.

HISTORY OF MUSEUM AND FAMILY:

The ancestral history of Salar Jung family can be traced to the 16th century but the
middle of the 19th century the family had assumed such importance that the five of its
members served as Prime Ministers to the Nizams of Hyderabad. Mir Turab Ali Khan, was
awarded the title of Salar Jung Bahadur at the age of 13 years. The Nizam, Nasir-ud-
Daulah appointed him as his Prime Minister when he was 24 years old. The “Veiled

8
Rebecca”, an enchanting marble statue and one of the possessions of the museum, was
purchased by him at Rome in 1876. He died in the year 1882.

When Mir Osman Ali Khan became the Nizam, he selected Mir Yusuf Ali Khan as
his Prime Minister. History once again repeated itself and due to some difference of
opinion, Salar Jung-III relinquished the post of Prime Minister in November, 1914
devoting his entire life in enriching his treasures of art and literature. The news of his
passionate love for art had spread for and wide and his place were forever thronged with
sellers of wares from all corners of the world. He had agents abroad who sent him
catalogues and lists from well known antique dealers. He also made purchases personally
during his tour abroad in Europe and the Middle Eastern Countries.

He continued his zeal as an art-connoisseur till the very end of his life, enriching
his art collections. It is his labour of love of over 40 years which finds a place in the
portals of Salar Jung Museum. In fact, the last consignment of his purchase, a set of ivory
chairs, sad to be of Tippu Sultan of Mysore, was received only after his death. Wedded to
his art collections, Salar Jung-III died a bachelor on 2nd March, 1949 at the age of 60.

As such, after the death of Salar Jung-III there was no any direct descendants,
Government of India appointed a committee to administer the Salar Jung Estate. Later on
with the idea of perpetuating his name, the Salar Jung Museum in the Diwan Deodhi, the
residential palace of Salar Jung-III it was declared to open for public by Jawaharlal Nehru,
the Prime Minister of India.

Till 1958, the administration of the Museum continued to be vested with the Salar
Jung Estate Committee. The relatives of Salar Jung-III graciously agreed in 1961 through a
compromise deed to donate the collection to the Government of India, and thereafter, the
Museum continued to be administered by the Ministry of Scientific Research and Cultural
Affairs, Government of India. After that an Act have been passed in the Parliament in the
same year, 1961, the Museum along with the library was declared as an “Institution of
National Importance”. The administration of museum was transferred to an Autonomous
Board having the Governor of Andhra Pradesh as its Chairman and 1968 the Museum was
transferred to the present building specially designed and built for housing of the collection
of Salar Jung family in the museum and the personal library.

9
MUSEUM COLLECTIONS AND GALLERIES:

The collection of museum is broadly divided like this:

1) Indian Art

2) Middle Eastern Art

3) For Eastern Art

4) European Art

5) Children’s Section

6) A important Gallery is devoted to the illustrious Salar Jung family, which was
mainly responsible for acquiring the collection and they are unique.

7) Contemporary and popular collections of the museum.

1) The important collections of Indian Art:

a) Stone Sculptures

b) Bronze images

c) Painted textiles

d) Wood Carvings

e) Miniature Paintings

f) Ivory Carvings

g) Modern Paintings

h) Jade Carvings

i) Manuscripts

j) Arms and Armoury

10
 k) Textiles

l) Metal-ware and other objects etc....

2) Middle Eastern Art:

From Persia, Syria, Egypt and other places.

a) Carpets

b) Paper (Manuscripts)

c) Ceramics

d) Glass

e) Metal Ware

f) Furniture

g) Lacquer etc.
All these exhibits give a fair idea of the artistic achievements of the craftsmen.
3) For Eastern Art:
a) Sino-Japanese Art objects

b) Chinese-collections

c) Nepal-collections

d) Thailand and Burma-collections

e) Tibet collections and other places.

The collections includes Porcelain, Bronze, Enamel, Lacquer wares, Embroidery

work, Wooden artefacts, Inlay work, Paintings etc., The Bronze figures of Buddha and
Secular figures like dancer and a bearded man from Thailand are very attractive.

4) European Art:

11
 Salar Jung Museum stands unique among Indian Museums, barring a few
exceptions in its European collections. The objects ranging from resplendent and excellent
examples of oil painting, aesthetically attractive glass objects to majestic furniture,
splanded examples of Ivories, enamelware and clocks.

Among the European collections, the Salar Jung Museum possesses the collections
of good number of clocks (Gallery No.28) from different countries like France, England,
Switzerland, Germany and Holland etc., They are attractive and popular exhibits. Among
them a British bracket-clock has got a mechanical device by which a miniature toy figure
comes-out of an enclosure and strikes the gong at each hour and then returns back to the
enclosure. It is decorated all round with ormolu mounts. During the 18th and 19th centuries
such curio-clocks to adult it is popular and attractive clock for visitors. Other then this
there are good number of beautiful chandeliers, wall brackets, cheekas, handis, lamps,
candelabras, many types of clocks etc..

5) CHILDREN’S SECTION:

The children’s section (galleries No.7 to 13) of the museum is a testimony to the
vast range of interest of Salar Jung-III in collecting objects of diverse nature. The objects
which were acquired by him during his childhood are also on view in this wing. The
exhibits housed in the section provide informal education to the children apart from
providing delight to them.

(There is a complete children museum is present in Egmore at Chennai, I think that

is only one in South India).

There are beautifully modelled wild animals in bronze and metal such as Elephants,
Rhinos, Tigers and Clay models of domesticated animals, exquisite Soap-Stone Carvings
from Korea and Japan. Many other good number of objects which attract children are
systematically displayed in all the galleries.

In other galleries methodical and systematic display have been done in this world
famous attractive museum of Hyderabad.

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CHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ VASTU SANGRAHALAYA MUMBAI
(CSMVS):

This Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya was originally known as

“Prince of Wales Museums of Western India”, which documents and displays the history
of India from prehistoric to Modern India. In 20th century during British rule of India
founded this museum. The Government of India, to commemorate the visit of the Prince of
Wales this museum started functioning. It is located in the heart of South Mumbai near the
Gateway of India. In 1998 the museum was renamed as Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Museum, the founder of the Maratha Empire.

3.6 ARCHITECURE AND HISTORY:

The museum structure is built in the Indo-Saracenic style with incorporating

elements such as the Mughal, Maratha and Jain Architectural Style with beautiful and
attractive precinct surrounded the museum palm trees, garden with formal beautiful
flowers.

In 1904, some leading citizens of Bombay, decided to provide a museum to

commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales, the future King George-V on 14th August
1905, the committee passed a resolution, saying, “The museum building embodies the
pomp and height at which the British raj was moving ahead with their ambitious plans in
building the great metropolis Bombay”.

On 11th November, 1905 the foundation stone was laid by the Prince of Wales, and
museum was formally named “Prince of Wales Museum of Western India”. On 1st March,
1907 the Government of the Bombay presidency granted the museum committee a piece of
land called the “Crescent Site”, where the museum stands now. In 1909, architect George
Wittet was commissioned to design the museum building. The museum building was
completed in 1915 with the funds of Royal visit Memorial funds, and also additional grand
from the Government and Municipality grants. Finally the museum was inaugurated on
10th January, 1922 by Lady Lloyd, the wife of George Lloyd, Governor of Bombay.

Approximately, the museum houses 50,000 exhibits of prehistoric, proto-historic

(Harappan Civilization), Ancient Indian History as well as objects from lands and
categorised primarily into three sections, i.e., Art, Archaeology and Natural History. Other
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than the prehistoric artefacts there are antiquities and sculptures from Mauryas, Guptas,
Rastrakutas and Chalukyas.

GALLERIES:

There are more than 25 important galleries in the museum and some of them can be
named as listed here.

a) Prehistoric and Proto-Historic

b) Sculpture gallery

c) Natural History Section

d) Indian Style Miniature Paintings

e) Decorative Metalware Gallery

f) Coins of Laxmi Gallery

g) Arms and Armour

h) Sir Ratan Tata and Sir Dorab Tata Gallery of European Paintings

i) Chinese and Japanese Art Gallery

j) Bombay School Gallery

k) Textiles and Prints Gallery

and many other galleries and very important Conservation Laboratory. The sculptures,
artefacts, paintings, coins and other objects have been exhibited in the galleries as per the
principles of Museology.

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1.6 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS:

I. Fill in the blanks:

1) R.K.Narayan and R.K.Lakshman Museum present in.....................

2) Mysroe Wodeyars period postman was called as................................

II. Question to be answered in one line each:

3) Dr.Radhakrishnan Museum is present in the University of...........

4) The Museum is always headed by..................................................

III. Answer the following true or false:

5) The Museum Conservation and display of objects followed by the word

“Preservation is better than cure”. TRUE/FALSE

6) The National Museum a New Delhi is not called as International Standared

Museum. TRUE/FALSE

IV. Answer the following multiple choice questions:

7) The father of Indian Scientific Archaeological Excavation is

a) Sir Martimer Wheeler b) R.C. Agarwal

c) O.P.Agarwal d) T.R.Gainola

8) The original “Nude Bronze Dancing Girl” is exhibited in

a) Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

b) Indian Museum at Calcutta

c) National Museum at New Delhi

d) Manjusha Museum at Dharmastala

Answers:

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1) Mysore

2) “Runner”

3) Mysore

4) Director

5) TRUE

6) FALSE

7) a) Sir Martimer Wheeler

8) c) National Museum, New Delhi

1.7 SUMMARY

Thus, the Unit-3 is containing the complete explanation on types of museums and
the functioning of museums along with National important museum construction activity
after the patrician of India and Pakistan. Particularly the International Standard Museum in
New Delhi and the foundation stone laid by the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Totally
this unit gives complete information and establishment of four museums that includes
history, architecture, display, different galleries and collections from the beginning of
Indian history and culture from prehistory, proto-history to modern history of India and
also collection from Asian and European Countries also.

Another important event happened in the museums of India is the establishment of

well equipped scientific Conservation Laboratory in museums and also appointing
qualified chemist and the staff members to maintain the museum ecology properly. This
unit also gives information about different type of museum and so on.

1.8 KEY WORDS:

• Prehistory :Where there is no written document available or the period where

there was no writing.
• Proto-history: The complete history of Harappan Civilization.

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 • Conservation: Is a process where chemist will bring back the artefacts into
original condition.
• Collection and display: Collection of objects artefacts to museums and
exhibiting them properly in the museums following the principles of museology.

3.9 SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:

1) Write a note on Chemical Conservation.

2) Discuss about the establishment of National Museum at New Delhi.

3) Give few examples of different types of museums in India.

4) Explain briefly about the establishment of Prince of Wales Museum of Western

India.

10 BOOKS FOR FURTHER STUDY:

1) Aiyappan, A. and Satyamurti, S.T., Edited Handbook of Museum Technique,

published by the Principal Commissioner of Museums, Govt. Museum Chennai,
1998 (Reprinted)

2) Agarwal, O.P., Preservation of Art Objects and Library Materials, published by

the Director, National Book Trust of India, New Delhi, 1999 (Second Edition).

3) Nigam, M.L., Editor, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, Hand book printed by
Navachetan Press (P) Ltd., New Delhi, 1990.

4) Nigam, M.L., Fundamentals of Museology, (Revised and Enlarged), Deva

Publications, Hyderabad, 1985.

5) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/national_museum_of_india

6) https://en.wikipeida.org/wiki/indian_museum

7) https://en.wikipeida.org/wiki/chhatrapati_shivaji_maharaj_vastu_sangrahalaya

(Dr.N.S.RANGARAJU)

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