MUSEUM AND MUSEOLOGY

Group Presentation
National Museum
Group Members
1. Falguni Dubey [0416]
2. Harshita Mishra [0354]
3. Neha Boliwal [1562]
4. Palak Saxena [0363]
5. Suman [0566]
 Content
1. Introduction
2. History of the museum
3. Sections in the museum
Buddha Art Gallery
Indus Valley Civilization
Mauryan, Shunga and Satvahana art gallery
Bronze Sculptures
4. New Museology (Initiatives taken to promote
tourism )
5. Conservation techniques used in the museum.
6. Questions with the staff
7. Experience about the museum
 Introduction
Located in New Delhi, at the junction of Janpath and
Maulana Azad Road, the National Museum is one of the
largest Museums in India, showcasing a vast collection of
artifacts spanning over 5,000 years of India's rich
cultural heritage.
The museum is administered by the Ministry of Culture
and houses various galleries featuring archaeological,
historical, artistic, and cultural artifacts from different
periods, including sculptures, paintings, manuscripts,
textiles, and decorative arts. It has several specialized
departments, each focusing on different aspects of
Indian and global heritage, including Archaeology,
Anthropology, Art and Painting, Decorative Arts,
Numismatics, and Epigraphy.
 History of National museum
On August 15, 1949, the National Museum, New Delhi, was inaugurated in
the Rashtrapati Bhawan by Shri R.C. Rajagopalachari, the Governor-
General of India. The foundation of the present building was laid by
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India, on May 12, 1955.

The National Museum was initially looked after by the Director General of
Archaeology until 1957, when the Ministry of Education, Government of
India, declared it a separate institution and placed it under its own direct
control.
 THE BUDDHA GALLERY

HALL NO. 1 STANDING ABOUT BUDDHA

BUDDHA
 TH SECTION OF GALLERY DEPICTS THE LIFE OF BUDDHA THROUGH
SCULPTURE,ARTIFACTS,PAINTINGS,DIGITAL DISPLAYS,DIGITAL MAPS .
THERE ARE MANY BANNERS DISPLAYING THE INFORMATION OF THE OBJECTS
PLACED THERE .
Siddhartha Gautama, most commonly referred to as the Buddha. He was a
wandering ascetic and religious teacher who lived in South Asia, during the
6th or 5th century BCE and founded Buddhism. According to Buddhist
legends, he was born in Lumbini, in what is now Nepal, to royal parents of the
Shakya clan, but renounced his home life to live as a wandering ascetic. After
leading a life of mendicancy, asceticism, and meditation, he attained nirvana
at Bodh Gaya in what is now India .
According to tradition, the Buddha instructed his followers in a path of
development which leads to awakening and full liberation from dukkha He
regarded this path as a Middle Way between extremes such as asceticism or
sensual indulgence
 In the first century B.C., India’s artists, who had
worked in the perishable media of brick, wood,
thatch, and bamboo, adopted stone on a very
wide scale. Stone railings and gateways, covered
with relief sculptures, were added to stupas.
Favorite themes were events from the historic life
of the Buddha, as well as from his previous lives, SEATING BUDDHA
which were believed to number 550. The latter
tales are called jatakas and often include
popular legends adapted to Buddhist teachings.
 Buddha in his celestial form as a crowned
buddha in preaching gesture
(dharmachakra mudra) . He is surrounded
is transcendental buddhas
(panchatathagata).

pala 11th century

The image shows a golden reliquary at the

National Museum in New Delhi, which houses
the bones of Gautama Buddha excavated
from Piprahwa Stupa
 Thankagas is a Tibetan Buddhist
painting on cotton, silk appliqué, usually
depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or
mandala.
To preserve thangkas, keep them in a
clean, dry environment with stable
temperature and humidity, away from
direct sunlight, and handle them with
care; store them rolled on a wide, padded
tube when not displayed, ideally with a
protective sleeve.
BUDDHA IS GOING TO SCHOOL
GREAT DEMISE OF
BUDDHA

BUDDHA IN PREACHING
POSE
 Indus Valley Civilisation
The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley
Civilization, was a Bronze Age civilization that flourished from
3300–1300 BCE. It was one of the world's earliest civilizations,
along with Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt.
The Civilization is divided into three phases:-
Early Harappan Phase: 3300–2600 BCE
Mature Harappan Phase: 2600–1900 BCE
Late Harappan Phase: 1900–1300 BCE

The Dancing Girl

 The Civilization stretched from modern-day Afghanistan to
Pakistan and northwest India and was characterized by
urban planning, standardized building, and a flourishing
trade network.

Chert Weights
Burial pot
Saddle quern
 IVC Gallery

Utensils

Trading pot Harappan burial from Rakhigarhi

Mauryan, Shunga and Satvahana art gallery
Mauryan Artifacts

Terracotta female bust

from Mauryan period
A stone fragment of torana
(322- 185 BCE)
(ornamental gateway) from Sanchi
Mauryan, Shunga and Satvahana art gallery
From Shunga period
(1st century BC)
Yaksha, a nature spirit often
associated with water, fertility,
trees, and treasure.

From Satvahana period

(3rd & 2nd century BC)
A slab from the
Amravati Stupa
Bronze sculpture
Gallery

The National Museum in New Delhi

has an impressive collection of
bronze sculptures
These sculptures are mostly religious in
nature, depicti deities from Hinduism,
Buddhism, and Jainism,
as well as historical figures
and kings
 Bronze sculpture Gallery

Appar
Nataraja (the lord of dance ) Panch mukhi shivlinga
Chola , 10th century
Chola , 12th century ,Tamil nadi 19 century , himachal
, South india
pradesh
Bronze sculptures at the National Museum
in Delhi are placed in display cases for
several important reasons:

~ preservation and
protection
~Security
~controlled
environment
~Enhanced viewing
~Educational purpose
How are bronze made ?

Casting Process: The traditional method for creating

these sculptures was the lost-wax casting technique.
This involved creating a model of the sculpture in wax,
which was then covered in a clay or sand mold. The
mold was heated to melt the wax away, leaving a
cavity into which molten bronze would be poured.
After the metal cooled and solidified, the mold would
be broken away to reveal the finished sculpture.
 Initiatives are taken to promote tourism
The National Museum in Delhi has adopted several initiatives to promote
tourism, especially under the concept of New Museology, which focuses on
making museums more engaging, interactive, and community-oriented. Some of these
initiatives include:
1. Digital and Interactive Exhibits - Use of touchscreens, AR (Augmented
Reality), and VR (Virtual Reality) to enhance visitor experience. Virtual
tours and online exhibitions for global accessibility.

Use of AR and
touchscreen
[Link] and Thematic Displays
Moving away from static displays to thematic storytelling, making
exhibits more relatable.
Organizing special exhibitions on historical and cultural themes.
Educational and Community Engagement
Workshops, lectures, and guided tours for students and scholars.
Interactive children’s activities and storytelling sessions.
Collaboration with schools and universities for research programs.

Chausar
is a traditional Indian
board game that's played with
2–4 players.
It's also known as Pachisi, Chaupar, Chopat,
and Pagdi Pat.
The game is played on a cross-
shaped board with wooden pawns and
cowrie shells used as dice
CALLIGRAPHY STATION DESK PUZZLE DESK
 ACTIVITY
USING BEADS

MAP ACTIVITY
MAZE GAME SCAN THE CODE
AND LISTEN
PICTURES AT
PHOTO
BOOTH
HIGHLIGHTS OF VISIT
Steps taken for preservation of National Museum
Conservation of various organic and inorganic objects like coins, metallic
sculptures, arms, ethnographic materials, textiles, stone sculptures,
stuccos and wall-paintings etc; housed in the National Museum.

Undertake scientific examination including; high resolution microscopic

studies, Ultra Violet and Infra Red cross- sectional examination, X-Ray
Fluoroscence, etc.

Organizing various workshops, conferences and seminars on

Conservation of Antiquities and Art objects.

Providing assistance for establishing Preventive Conservation standards

to various other organizations.

Internship Programs for the students of Conservation of Master level.

Map of the museum
 Q&A
SESSION
 Question with staff
[Link] the museums collection and history.
2. About the visitor experience and perception.
[Link] programs for children or families.
 ARTIFACTS IN THE MUSEUM
The national museum in New Delhi houses an extensive
collection of artifacts that span over 5,000 years of Indian
history and heritage
KEY COLLECTIONS

Archaeological Artifacts: The museum showcases sculptures in stone,

bronze, and terracotta, representing various
periods and styles of Indian art.
Manuscripts and Painting
The museum showcases sculptures in stone, bronze, and terracotta,
representing various periods and styles of Indian art. paragraph text
Arms and Armor: Traditional Indian weapons like swords,
bows, and armor.
Decorative Arts and Jewelry: Beautiful jewelry and art
objects from various eras.

Central Asian Antiquities: Artifacts highlighting cultural

exchanges with neighboring regions.

Pre-Columbian Art: Art pieces from ancient American

civilizations.
Ques. 3What is the main Foreigner attraction ?
The National Museum in New Delhi is a major attraction for
foreign visitors due to its vast and diverse collection that
showcases India's rich cultural heritage. The museum houses
artifacts spanning over 5,000 years, from the Indus Valley
Civilization to modern Indian art.
[Link] gallery
2. Buddhist Art section
[Link] and armour gallery
[Link] and decorative Arts
Ques 4. Is museum still expanding?
The National Museum is not expanding in its current
form, it is undergoing a significant transformation to
create a new, expansive institution that will better
showcase India's cultural heritage. The progress of this
transition depends on the resolution of logistical and
infrastructural challenges.
 Cafeteria
The café is located within the museum grounds, providing a space
for visitors to relax after exploring the exhibits.

It offers a comfortable, well-lit environment, often with a mix of

traditional and contemporary designs.

It serves a variety of snacks, beverages, and light meals

The café provides a peaceful retreat, giving guests the chance to

rest while enjoying the museum surroundings.
 Garden
Landscape Design: The garden is beautifully landscaped, with
manicured lawns, walkways, and plants strategically placed to enhance
the visual appeal of the museum’s exterior.

Peaceful Environment: Visitors can enjoy a serene environment,

perfect for reflection and relaxation.

Public Access: The garden is open to the public, offering a calm respite
from the busy city life.
 Sculptures
Types of Sculptures: The garden and museum may feature a variety
of sculptures, including ancient Indian art and contemporary
installations.

Notable Sculptures: You can highlight some famous pieces if you

know specific sculptures that are on display.

Artistic Significance: Many sculptures represent significant

historical, cultural, and religious themes from Indian heritage.
 Cleanliness
Maintenance: The National Museum ensures that both the
café area, garden, and overall museum premises are well-
maintained and cleaned regularly.

Waste Management: There are designated waste disposal

areas to maintain cleanliness.

Visitor Engagement: Cleanliness is emphasized through

signage, and staff ensures that both indoor and outdoor
spaces remain spotless
 Conclusion
The National Museum of New Delhi stands as a beacon of India's rich
cultural heritage and historical significance. With its expansive and diverse
collections, the museum offers a deep dive into the country’s history, from
ancient civilizations to modern times. The museum’s commitment to both
preservation and innovation is evident in its use of advanced conservation
techniques and its embrace of New Museology principles, which promote
accessibility and engagement. Through interactive exhibits and
community-oriented initiatives, the National Museum has successfully
evolved into a major attraction for both domestic and international visitors.
 Additionally, the museum's efforts to collaborate with the tourism
industry and adopt sustainable practices ensure that its treasures
remain preserved for future generations. Visiting the National
Museum is not just an opportunity to admire artifacts, but to
experience India's vibrant cultural narrative firsthand. As it continues
to expand and adapt to the needs of modern audiences, the National
Museum of New Delhi remains an essential landmark for those
seeking to understand India’s past and its ongoing journey.
Thank
You