SUNIL VAID
A museum is a Not-for-profit permanent institution in the service of society that researches, collects, conserves interprets and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage. They are open to public, accessible and inclusive. They foster diversity and sustainability. They operate and communicate ethically, professionally and with the participation of communities , offering varied experiences for education , enjoyment, reflection & knowledge sharing.
International Museum day 2024 is being celebrated on 18th May with the theme “Museum for Education and research.” This year theme underscores the Pivotal role of cultural institution in providing a holistic educational experience. This special day which gives us a chance to celebrate Museums & all they do. This important day shows how museums help us learn culture and preserve history. The objective of International Museum day is to raise awareness about the fact that “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures & developments of mutual understanding / cooperation of people. Historical & contemporary Museums play a crucial role in education. They offer tools and techniques that aid in education, allowing students to understand concepts easily through object based learning & inspiration, enabling students to engage in practical historical investigation & intellectual developments. Through various avenues, museums enrich education experiences & facilitate deeper understanding of history, culture and the world. Museum in UT of J&K and Ladakh have carefully restored its dignity & richness. Let us have a glimpse & revisit famous Museums in our UT & Ladakh.
Amar Mahal Museum in Jammu
This is a palace converted to Museum. This splendid structure has been inspired from French CHATEAU in its architectural style. It was the official residence of Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Dogra king. The striking design of the palace attracts visitors with a distinctive charm & its artifacts. It was converted into Museum & Library By Dr Karan Singh. The Museum is carved in Red sand stone is also called Dogra Hall. Rarest artifacts related to Pahari and Dogra culture are displayed in the Museum. It has an exquisite throne belong to Maharaja Hari Singh. The throne is made from Gold weighing 120 Kg is beautifully designed with Golden Lions on all sides & is placed in Hexagonal room in the palace is viewed through glass chambers. Apart from, throne, Amar Mahal Museum also houses rare Dogra paintings, Pahari paintings & portraits of Royal family. Another attraction of this museum is huge collection of books.
Dogra Art Museum
This is also a significant museum in Jammu & Kashmir. It is located in Pink Hall of famous Mubarak mandi complex in Jammu. It contains many artifacts of historical significance. The Museum was opened in 1954 at Gandhi bhawan and later on shifted in 1991 to Mubarak Mandi complex. It has rarest collection of miniature paintings from Basholi & Dogra School of Art. It also displays relics like metal objects, manuscripts, Akhnoor Tirracota heads, Dogra dresses and Jewellery. Most attractive treasure is golden Bow and arrow of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It also has Persian manuscripts of Shahnama & Sikendnama.
This museums also houses Martial culture of Dogra kings like weapons, swords, pistols, guns, Daggers, armplates & helmets etc. The museum being prime attraction of J&K and holds significances for History and archeology enthusitents.
Sri Pratap Museum
This Museums is located in famous Lal Mandi area of Srinagar. It was earlier summer palace of Kings in Kashmir. Later, it was established as Museum in 1898 by Maharaja Pratap Singh. The purpose was to conserve cultural and archaeological reminiscences of J&K along with BALBSTAN & Gilgit regions. Artifacts displayed in the Museum include rare Terracotta heads related to 3rd century AD. In the archeological section of Sri Pratap Singh Museum one can explore collection of Terracotta & Metal art pieces from excavation sites of PANDRITHAN, Avantipora, Parihaspur, USHKUR (Baramulla) and Harwan. Along with many other dogra style showpieces, weapons, utensils, furniture, carpets, textiles, leather / WILLOW articles & Musical instruments. There is a copper image of Buddha carved in Gandherva style in this museum to allure all with its sheer magnificence.
Kanchenjunga Museum in Gulmarg
It is an army warfare museum in Gulmarg. This museum is located within (HAWS) High Altitude Warfare school of Indian Army. Here, various tools & equipment used by Military since 1947 for mountain climbing & Mountaineering are displayed. It was set up in memory of Indian army’s first summit to Kanchenjunga in 1997. All other successful expeditions including the one to Mount Everest are also displayed in this museum.
Stok palace Museum in Leh
This museum situated within Stok palace must be part of ones priority while travelling to Ladakh. It has beautiful artifice related to royal family of Ladakh on display. This palace is still used by royal family to reside during summers.
There are ancient copper coins, teakits, crowns, jewelleries, equipments, gem stones and item related to their traditions. It also contains sacred DZI stones also called “Pure Happiness Pearls”. 16th century thangker that depict various teaching of Lord Buddha priceless gold crown worn by Head of family of Ladakh & swords coupled with KNOT by King Tashi PHUTGAL are high lights of this Museum.
Amberan – Pamberwan sites
Had a privilege to visit a Buddhist Monastic complex on the right bank of river Chenab at Amberan near Akhnoor & Dates back from 1st century BCE to 4th -5th century CE gives a strong physical proof of a vibrant Buddhist phase in Jammu. Some coins, Terracotta beads and other articles of Kaniska the great kushan. Emperor unearthed & are exhibited in small room / gallery. The museums guaranties inclusive & equitable high quality education & encourage possibilities for lifelong learning for everyone. On this day, we must honour the way museums inspire & educate us. Museums gather artifacts, antiques & exotic creatures that tell us about many cultures. They preserve our culture & promote unity. On this day education institutions, associations, social organizations & tourism sector must publicise visits of students, local people & tourists to museums of our country especially of J&K.
