|
With
the inauguration of the Jewellery Gallery in the National Museum,
a new and golden chapter is opened in the annals of one hundred
ninty years old museum movement in India as the gems and jewellery
have also served as effective instruments for appreciating and transmitting
the message of our art and culture. The acquisition of ornaments
commenced with the inception of the Museum in 1949 itself and efforts
were on to install such a gallery for more than a decade. Two hundred
forty-three objects in twenty-seven showcases in theis specially
designed gallery impart a bird's eye-view of Indian jewellery from
the 3rd millennium B.C. to the early 20th century. They also reflect
peoples' taste for ornaments in different regions. Each showcase
narrates a story of its own and it depends on our aptitude and patience
to listen to it. If some specimens are proud of their age and antiquity,
others boast of their exquisite workmanship and fabulous intrinsic
value. Some spell out the critical moments of war and its catastrophe
while others spread the message of love and space. There are several
items which were fabricated for the auspicious and rejoicing occasions
like marriage or coronation and some were offered to the deity in
the temple. While gold dominates, precious jewels like diamonds,
rubies, emerald, etc. are also seen in abundance.
|
|
