Artifacts
have always been admired by most of the people and when it is about
antique pieces, the curiosity gets doubled. Salarjung Museum is such a
place, where an amazing collection of traditional curios is awaiting for
you to behold and admire. Located in the magnificent city of Hyderabad,
Salar Jung Museum was established in the year 1951. Owing to its great
compilation of invaluable articles, the museum has been affirmed as an
'Institution of National Importance' by the Indian Parliament.In fact, Salarjung has the distinction of embracing the world's largest one man collection of artifacts. This art museum has an incredible assortment of various antiques and curios, ranging from the rare sculptures, illuminated Korans, astrolabes, books, jeweled swords and daggers, Persian carpets to the antique objects of the Salar Jung family. Mir Yousuf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III) assimilated this collection of antiques. However many things were collected by his father (Salar Jung II) and his grandfather (Salar Jung I) also.
Salarjungs actually used to be the important aristocrats in the courts of the Nizams, the rulers of Hyderabad. Salarjung Museum houses a rare collection of Islamic art compiled by them from all over Asia. You can also trace the exquisite specimens of European paintings and sculptures, along with Chinese and Japanese objects, here. The popular 'Veiled Rebecca', crafted by Giovanni Maria Benzoni - the Italian sculptor, is also showcased here. Salar Jung Museum has approximately 40, 000 pieces that have been displayed in 78 rooms.
The rich collection of the museum also includes manuscripts, calligraphed classics, crusted spice boxes, mirror backs, hukkas, archery rings, soft metal-thread carpets, arabesque carpets and miniatures. The section of arms is another highlight, where bejeweled hilts of swords and daggers, handles of jade, fishbone and ivory ornamented with diamonds, emralds and rubies are displayed. To put succinctly, Salarjung Museum is a marvelous place that would leave you bemused with the beguiling eternal art.
