“…That’s why we have the Museum, Matty, to remind us of how we came, and why” – Lois Lowry
From grand time capsules to silent storytellers, museums are testaments to India’s historical and cultural journey. Within their walls lie the artifacts of cultural evolution, traditional values, and the birth of groundbreaking ideas. They weave a tapestry of collective narratives, using powerful storytelling to preserve and share the knowledge of a million tales.
Fostering research and promoting awareness, the museums have provided a platform for exploration and idea building. They have played an active role in community building and heritage conservation. Celebrating International Museum Day and promoting Museums for Education and Research, let’s embark on a journey through some of India’s most unique museums.
1. International Dolls Museum, New Delhi
Housed in the building of the Children’s Book Trust on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, the International Dolls Museum has the largest collection of costume dolls anywhere in the world. Set up by K. Shankar Pillai (1902–1989) the famous political cartoonist, it houses more than 6500 dolls from 85 countries.
The museum has two major sections with dolls from the Middle East, Asian countries, India, and Africa on one side and dolls from European countries, the USA, New Zealand, and Australia on the other. This place is a must-visit when you are in Delhi for it will blow your mind away and take you into the world of nostalgia.
2. The Archaeological Museum, Lothal
Lothal, ‘the mound of the dead’, was a thriving port of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization 4500 years ago. The oldest artificial dock in the world, Lothal was believed to be a part of a major river system on the ancient trade route from Sindh to Saurashtra in Gujarat.
The museum exhibits over 800 interesting artifacts including bronze and copper mirrors, beautifully painted potteries, toy bullock carts, beads, intricate jewellery, and many objects made with stone, chert, shell, and bone. The most vibrant artifacts on display include terracotta figures from Sumeria and articles from Egypt.
3. INS Kurusura Submarine Museum, Visakhapatnam
The first submarine-turned-museum in Asia and second in the world, INS Kurusura Submarine Museum narrates the story of the Indian Navy, its evolution, and its milestones. Launched by the Eastern Naval Command, it was used to spread awareness about the Indian Naval Forces, the technology used, and its development in India.
INS Kurusura, India’s fifth submarine played an important role in 1971 during the Indo-Pak war and participated in numerous naval exercises and goodwill visits. Situated on RK Beach, this Russian-built submarine of the Indian Navy showcases the life inside a submarine and the hardships faced by the submariners in the sea.
4. Human Brain Museum, Bangalore
Established in 1995, the NIMHANS Brain Museum is a captivating journey into the human mind. Nearly 90 illuminated brain specimens showcase intricate anatomical structures like the corpus callosum, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Visitors can also gain insight into various neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral aneurysms, and hydrocephalus through displays.
Adding to the educational experience, the museum is undergoing a digital transformation. Interactive displays planned for the future will provide detailed information about each specimen, along with the capability to showcase 3D brain models, offering an even deeper dive into the complexities of the brain.
5. And finally, Hyderabad’s very own YK Antiques Home Museum
“We are what we eat,” goes the saying, and the YK Antiques Home Museum reflects this truth beautifully. Stepping into this quaint space is a journey through time, where every day utensils transform into cultural treasures. It’s a one-of-a-kind haven for over 1000 antiques, each whispering tales of our cultural evolution, the enduring human desire to create, and the artistry of crafting beauty from the mundane.
From bygone cooking tools to decorative objects and everyday essentials, these antiques are not just museum pieces; they are a personal collection meticulously built over five decades from across India. Every item carries a captivating narrative – a story of its maker, its journey to the museum, and the passionate collector behind it.
YK Antiques Home Museum is a private collection turned museum that strives to keep the tales of antiques alive. Committed to telling the tales of the bygone times to our future generations, they strongly believe that antiques are reliable witnesses of our culture and documents of our tradition.
This International Museums Day let’s pledge to contribute to the idea and help preserve our culture.
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