The Museum of Salar Jung is basically one of the art museums which are located in Hyderabad city, on southern bank of the river Musi at Darushifa in the state of Andra Pradesh in India. This is among the 3 National Museums of the country India. This museum has a wide collection of paintings, sculptures, carvings, manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, carpets, metallic artefacts, clocks, & furniture from different countries across the world such as Japan, Burma, China, Nepal, Persia, India, Egypt, North America and Europe. The property of this museum has its source from the family belongings of Salar Jung.

History

This Salarjung Museum is regarded as the 3rd largest museum of India which has one of the biggest 1 man collections of different antiques across the globe. This is well known throughout entire India for the prized collections which used to belong to different kind of civilizations which date back to the first century. Nawab there during 1889 till 1949 named Mir Yousuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III, the 7th Nizam of the city of Hyderbad & former Prime Minister; he have spent a huge amount of the income to create the priceless collection for a tenure of thirty five years. The collection was left behind in the ancestral palace named as 'Diwan Deodi' which was previously exhibited as private museum that has been inaugurated in the year of 1951 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The Oldies believe that today’s collection consists of just half oforiginal artwork which has been collected by him. Basically his employees stole or misplaced a huge part of his treasure, since he was bachelor & have to stay depended on the staffs. Some of the art works were either stolen or lost during the shift process of museum to present location from the old one, Dewan Devdi. Later in the year of 1968, this museum got shifted to the present location of Afzalgunj which is been administered by the Board of Trustees which include the State Governor as the ex-officio chairperson.

Different Sections in Museum

This Museum have 38 galleries which is spread over three buildings in total as for e.g., Central Block, Mir Laiq Ali Khan Bhavan (Eastern Block) & Mir Turab Ali Khan Bhavan (Western Block) on 2 floors. Central Block of the museum has 27 galleries (15 galleries on ground floor, 12 galleries on first floor). Then also, the total art objects exhibited includes just over percent of entire collection.

This museum has some coordinating sections like the Educational Wing, Photo section, Display section, Chemical Conservation Laboratory, Reception & Sales counter. The security of the museum is been taken care by CISF.

Some public facilities are also available here lie restrooms, cloak rooms at different cardinal points & cafeteria which is run by Andra Pradesh Tourism.

Founders Gallery

The portraits & other personal treasures of this family are displayed here which is recreating life & time of Salar Jungs. The portraits of Munirul-MulkII Mohd. Ali Khan, Mir Alam, Salar Jung I & II and many of the oil paintings of the Salar JungIII is been displayed as well. The 2 masnads having golden zari-work, the canopies on the silver poles which were used during lifetime of the Salar Jung III & his grandfather the Salar Jung I is an additional attraction for this gallery.

South Indian Bronzes

The collection of bronze of this museum will give good idea of close association of the medium of religious expression done on those days which are gone. The earliest figure of bronze in this Museum’s collection used to belong to the period of Pallava which depicts the standing form of Vishnu with his usual attributes.

Minor Arts of South India

Wood carvings of this museum have significant place in Indian history of art. These early scriptures furnish some detailed description about various kinds of sacred trees & plants which can be used for different carvings of gods & goddesses. In the gallery these visitors have the priviledge to have glimpse of the wood-carvings of the Nirmal work, Ivory carvings and metal ware. The wood carvings of South India consume the major area of the gallery.

Indian Sculptures

Though the stone sculpture collection in this museum is much scanty, but they are significant since they represent different characteristic patterns of different styles which prevailed in our India. An exorbitant standing figure of Lord Buddha from 3rd century A.D. was unearthed from a place called Nelakondapally is also exhibited here.

 Indian Textiles

The collection of the textile in this museum is equivalently important one since it represents both vastness & variety. This museum houses some of the exquisite eg of tie & dye or Bandej/ Bandhani textiles & couple of patola sarees. The Kalamkari textiles collection of this museum is among richest collection of the kind in entire India & provides connected technical & stylistic evolution of the Kalamkari prints & paintings of the Andhra Pradesh.

Ivory Objects

This Museum has one of the best ivory carving collection from different areas of the entire world. These collections of the ivory carvings give an excellent concept of ivory being a plastic medium. The chausar sets, chessmen of Ivory in this collection is also interesting group. Among the European objects of ivory carvings, an entire set of chairs made of ivory was been gifted to Tipu Sultan by Louis XVI from France is worth to be mentioned.

Arms And Armour

The arms & armour collection in this museum Salar Jung is 1 of the rare treasures here which comprises an amazing variety & huge quantity of different old arms & fire-arms as well. The arms & armour collection which include daggers, swords, spears, battle axes, goads, bows,maces & arrows & gun-powder containers.

Jade Gallery

Jade is one of the semi precious stones, which varies in different colours pure white to emerald green & dark blackish green. The terminology jade came from Nephrite & Jadeite. This collection includes different wine cups (both plain & studded with different precious stones) cups, plates, book stands arm rests, belt buckles, hair pins and flywhisk handles etc. Most of Indian jade articles are dated back from17 th to 19 th century on basis based of style, polish and decoration & it is said that they belong to the Mughal Period.

Indian Miniature Paintings

Some of the fine egs of the miniatures of Mughal era are displayed here. The delicacies & charms of Deccan Qalam are reflected through the miniatures. This museum possesses some interesting leaves from of the early Kalpasutras of Jain having illustrations of early styles of the paintings of Western Indian i.e. from 14th & 15th century A.D. A good no. of works, which represents Raginis & Ragas, portraits of the nobility & themes of Krishna Leela was also incorporated.

Modern Paintings

These works of abt 85 artists found for representation for the collection in museum. Departure from tradition of the classical art of India which have started off with emergence of Ravi Varma (since 1848 to 1906), who is prominent South Indian painter. Raja Varma was highly trained in Western traditions & preferred painting in oil medium, Indian depicting themes & classics. Only 2 paintings as for eg., Kerala Beauty & Stolen Interview by Mr. Ravi Varma is adorned this gallery.

Bidri Gallery

The term Bidri got the name from city called Bidar which is situated nearly about 120 kilometers from north-west of city Hyderabad. There are 2 techniques which are used in preparation of Bidri objects, named as Tahnashin & Zarbaland. Tahnashin is deeply cut worked), where designs are engraved deeply & silver or gold pieces which are laid in trenches. In Zarbaland technique design is been raised.

Middle Eastern Carpets

The carpet of Persia occupies a unique position in museum having art collection from middle-eastern region. Beautiful items with some intricate weaving work & decked with some different ornamental ways, from different important looms from Persia, such as Bokhara, Kashna, Kirman, Tabriz, Shiraz etc.

Arabic And Persian Manuscripts

Arabic & Persian manuscripts stay to be most valuable possession of this museum. Earliest manuscript which is displayed here is the Holy Quran which is written on the parchment in the script called Kufic & is datable to the 9 A.D. besides, a no. of Holy Qurans.

Egyptian And Syrian Art

Though major part of Egyptian objects of art are on display here these are one & only copies been made after originals from important Egyptian tombs of kings, yet visitor can get the idea of art traditions & religious beliefs from ancient Egypt.

Far Eastern Art

This Museum is among those few museums of India which can show off an extensive art collection of Far East which consists of art objects of Sino-Japanese. The regional artists showed the talent in each type of conceivable material. This collection includes bronze, porcelain, enamel, embroidery, lacquer, painting, inlay work and wood.

Chinese Collection

The awesome Chinese collection in the museum datable can be dated since 12th till 19th centuries represent possibly most shrinked range of the export wares & enable us to get a comparison & rank with collection of Chinese porcelain like Museum of Topkapi Saranji in Turkey from Istanbul & Aradebil collection of Teheran.

Japanese Art

Though the city of Japan is been looked as natural corollary of China having from stand-point of art history & culture, this has evolved the own identity when compared with art & culture. The pieces from earliest times in this collection are blue & white porcelain stuff from 17th century. This museum contains a huge collection of popular Satsuma which consists of bowls, vases, & plates including small delicate tea sets as well.

Fareastern Statuary

This gallery presents some interesting sculptural art picture from various countries such as Nepal & Tibet, which are to be considered as one of the best. Here the statuary is mainly of 3 mediums e.g metal, bronze & wood. The objects in belong to the Buddhist sculptures which shows everlasting Buddhist impact which has to be spread from India to different places like China & Japan. Japanese Samurai warriors are also represented here except Buddhist statuary.

European Art

Among museums of India leaving aside few exceptions, this Museum stands to be unique for European collection, which comprises of objects representing art ranging from different resplendent & excellent eg of oil paintings, exclusive glass stuffs to outstanding furniture, some mindblowing eg of enamelware clocks, ivories etc.

European Paintings

Oil & water paintings constitute one of the important parts of European collections. Technically & aesthetically the samples on display here are wonderful examples of craft. These are reflections of public taste & artistic interest of period. Though major group on display here are of British origin of paintings of 19th century.

European Porcelain

Painted vases from Sevres factory is available here in the museum which is one of the valuable stuffs since they represent costumes, landscapes and ornaments. This museum possesses one of sizeable collection of the Dresden porcelain which follows the Sevres collection.

European Glass

Glass being the most recognisable substances being known to the mankind from early times. This art objects are housed in this museum as living testimony for this medium & acquaint visitor with degree of some extraordinary technical excellence of glass makers from different countries.

European Art

The European images made of Bronze are also housed in this museum includes both original & copies of some renowned sculptors.

European Art

The sculptures of marble in this museum are in good numbers though most of them being garden figures which are copies of some mythological sculptures from Greece done by renowned artists

European Furniture

The furniture from this region creates another fascinating segment of this collection. By & large pieces have their origin from England & France. A wide range furniture from France comprises of consoles, cabinets, sofa sets, chairs, elegant screens, commodes, table etc which belong to the tenure of (1715-44)Louis XV; (1643 -1715)Louis XIV, (1774-92)Louis XVI  & Napoleon I.

European Clocks

The Museum of Salar Jung possesses a great number of clock collections from various European countries like England, France, Switzerland, Holland, Germany etc. This variety includes clocks in Bird cage style, Grandfather clocks, Bracket clocks, Skeleton clocks and etc. The most attractive clock which draws a huge of visitors each day is a Bracket clock having British origin. This has one mechanical device with help of which the miniature toy comes out from the enclosure & strikes gong & then return back each hour to its enclosure.

Collections

The collections here in the museum of Salar Jung are mirrors of human past environment which ranging since 2nd century B.C till early 20th century A.D from different cultures like Roman, Greek, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Christian & Islamic of different countries & of different materials as well.

The collections in this Museum are divided widely into few divisions like Art from Middle East, Indian Art, Art from Far East, European Art & Children’s Section. Except from this, one gallery is completely devoted to illustration of family of the Salar Jungs, who are mainly responsible in acquiring this collection.

The Art Objects of Indian origin Comprises of bronze images, stone sculptures, painted textiles (i.e. Kalamkari), Jade carvings, wood Carvings, metal-ware, armor and manuscripts arms etc.

Middle Eastern Art is represented by objects from Syria, Persia and Egypt which covers a diverse media such as paper (manuscripts), carpets, ceramics, metal ware, glass, lacquer, furniture etc.

Museum of Salar Jung is among few Indian museums that can boast off wide & extensive collection from Art of Far East consisting of different Sino-Japanese objects made of enamel, bronze, porcelain, lacquer ware,  wood, paintings, embroidery and inlay work.

European collection consists of the art objects having range from resplendent & excellent eg of different oil paintings, excellent examples of object in ivory, aesthetically lucrative glass objects till majestic furniture, enamel ware & clocks.

The different objects on show in children section of this museum gives testimony of vast range of their interest & diverse nature of the Salar Jung III, while collecting objects. The objects kept here in this section provide education through informal way to the kids except being a matter delight to them. The museum of Salar Jung is the institutional member for different historical & museological entities, such as Museums Asso. of India, ICOM-INC etc. This museum organizes some temporary exhibitions in a periodical fashion on different themes & efforts which makes them more educative, aesthetic, and informative. It has also maintained one ‘Van for Mobile Exhibition’ which is arranged exhibit on various themes on this museum’s collections & cultural Indian heritage to present this museum of Salar Jung at doorstep of different villages , schools & other public spots as well being part of the Museum Education.

This museum publishes different brochures, guide-Books, research Journals, & books based on selected subjects such as Hindi, English and Urdu languages.

During Museum Week which is celebrated in between January 8th till 14th from 2011 a Rangoli competition has to be held on January 12th for all ladies to celebrate the Makara Sankranti occasion. Women participate in this competition & prizes were also distributed to winners.

During the 'Children's Week' i.e. from 14th -20th November all school children till age of 12 accompanied by their teachers are to be allowed inside the museum free of cost. During the tenure of 'Museum Week' i.e. from 8th - 14th January each year the public are also offered given concession on entrance ticket.

This Museum also possesses one of the huge libraries consisting around 60000 books, journals, manuscripts etc., & this is a monument by the family of Salar Jung towards love of knowledge & learning.

The Indian and oriental objects are housed in the main building presently.

Being among of Indian museums of “National importance”, the Museum of Salar Jung is meant to be functioning as the cultural centre with its research projects, exhibits & planned activities.

Exhibitions

Sirat E Tayiba

The Special Exhibition takes place on “SIRAT-E-TAYIBA” this Museum organises “MUQAMAT-E-MUQADASA” in close association with the MARKAZI MAJLIS-E-QUADRIA & inaugurated on February 14th 2011 by Dr. Mohammad Razvi, an IFS being Vice Chairman and MD of  A.P. State Minority Finance Corp & Mr. Harpreet Singh, an IAS, also VC and Managing Director of A.P. Dairy Development Corp was Guest of Honour here.

Museum week

During Museum Week which is celebrated in between January 8th till 14th from 2011 a Rangoli competition has to be held on January 12th for all ladies to celebrate the Makara Sankranti occasion. Women participate in this competition & prizes were also distributed to winners.

All Indian visitors are allowed at discounted price of 50% on the entry ticket. The total number of visitors who availed this facility during museum week is 26,042.

Resonance in Silence

On Occasion of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Kabi Guru Rabindranath Tagore, the Museum have organized one Special Exhibition named as “Resonance in Silence” upon drawings & paintings on Kabi Guru Rabindranath Tagore on 9th  May, 1861.  on 09.05.2011. This Exhibition had its display from 9th to 14th May in the year of 2011.

Treasures of China

This museum has also organized the International Exhibition based on “Treasures of China” in tie up with Indian Archaeological, Govt of India, Ministry of Culture, State Admin of Cultural Heritage & Art Exhibitions of China. The inauguration of the Exhibition was done on 23rd June in the year of 2011 by Mr. E. S. L. Narasimhan, Governor of AP & Chairman of Board of this Museum as per ACT. This Exhibition was kept open for the visitors till August 22, 2011.

Workshops Organized

Seminars

On occasion of the International Womens Day, the museum authority was organized seminar based on “Role of Female / Women in Development of the Society”. Smt. Vaani Devi, the Principal of Venkateswara College of Fine Arts andMs. Indira, Advocate of High Court delivered speeches & the women officers & staffs of the Museum have also taken active part in this seminar.

Lecture

Museum Salar Jung in association of  Hyderabad’s Historical Society has organized one lecturer with PowerPoint Presentation on “Gautam Buddha: Story of His Enlightenment” on March 12th, 2011, by Mr. Santosh Raut (Maitriveer- Nagarjuna), an Assistant Professor, from Dept. of Philosophy and Aesthetics, EFL University of Hyderabad.

Summer Camp on Art

As part of the Educational & Cultural activities, this Museum has also organized a “Summer Camp on Art  in 2011” for the school children during May 2nd till 16th,2011, that was inaugurated by Prof. E. Stanley Suresh of Jawahar lal Nehru Architecture & FineArts University in Hyderabad.

Hindi Sapthah

Hindi Sapthah also was held here in this Museum of Salar Jung from September 14th till 17th in the year of 2011. Dr/ Mrs. Rekha Sharma who is Head of Dept for Hindi Department of VivekVardhini College of Hyderabad, attended this ceremony as a Chief Guest then. During this period this Museum also arranged essay & anthyakshari competitions. The function for Valedictory was also held on September 17th in the year 2011 & prizes were also distributed by chief guest Dr. Kousalya of Hindi Shikshana Yojana of Hyderabad. 

Facilities

This museum has one of richest collection of the printed books which covers various subjects & one of the rich collections of 1000s of manuscripts of different languages such as Arabic, Persian and Urdu. Scholars are also given permission to use museum library if requested after obtaining passes which is available in the reception.

How to Reach

Located on southern bank of Musi river, the museum of Salar Jung is not at all far from different renowned monuments of this old city. The historic Mecca Masjid, Charminar, High Court, Central Library & Osmania Hyderabad General Hospital, this all can be accessed within radius of a mile from this Museum.

This Museum is easily approachable both by road & rail. The railway Stations which are important Nampally and Kachiguda are within distance of 3 miles. Buses of road transport run very frequently from different parts of city till Afzalgunj that’s within a walking distance if measured from this museum.

Timings & Ticket Prices

Entrance cost to this Museum has to be done by ticket only, which costs Rs.10 only for the general public. For Students having identity cards is given a concession of 50%. Besides this the defence uniformed personnel, Kisan parties & children below age of 12 are also offered 50% concession. Charge for foreign visitors are Rs. 150/ only.

During the 'Children's Week' i.e. from 14th -20th November all school children till age of 12 accompanied by their teachers are to be allowed inside the museum free of cost. During the tenure of 'Museum Week' i.e. from 8th - 14th January each year the public are also offered given concession on entrance ticket.

This Museum opens at 10 am closes at 5 pm. This museum remains closed on every Friday as weekly holiday. Besides this on each public holiday the museum is closed.

Photo Gallery