Maharaja Sawai Mansingh Museum in Jaipur - Excellent Combination of the Mughal and Rajasthani Style of Architecture
Maharaja Sawai Mansingh Museum in City Palace Jaipur
Maharaja Sawai Mansingh Museum is located within the City Palace complex and nestled amidst old buildings, temples and the palace quarters. This museum was founded in 1959.
The exhibits consist of the ancestral collections built up by the successive rulers of Jaipur. A small selection of paintings, manuscripts, maps, carpets, textiles, costumes, weapons and armours was displayed in the Pothikhana (library) and the Silehkhana or armoury (both of these in their present form, were established in 1952) of the palace.
Different Exhibits of Museum
Sileh Khana Armoury Gallery
One of the richest collection of the Indian weapons in the world is displayed here in a most artistic and symbolic manner.
Amongst the important weapons displayed here are: Heavy Khanda(sword) probably of Raja Man Singh I, swords of Mughal emperors Jehangir and Shahjahan, night polo ball, Sawai Jai Singh’s pistol and matchlock guns of 17th century probably cast at Jaigarh fort, Amber.
Rekhla(miniature cannon), Jujarba(Camel Guns), lances, Katars(daggers), bows and arrows, Maces and Gunpowder flasks, Howdahs(Elephants seat used during hunting) are also on display.
Art Gallery
The Art Gallery is housed in the Diwan-i-Aam constructed for holding important State functions.
A variety of objects-miniature paintings, illustrated manuscripts, decorated bookcovers, palm-leaf and Sanchipat manuscripts, old printed books, gigantic Mughal carpets, gold and silver Takhis-Rawan (movable throne), covered Ambabadis and open Howdahs, palanquins and carriages with richly embroidered velvet coverings are displayed in this gallery.
There are rare bird and animal studies by Ustad Mansur, court scenes, battle scenes, portraits and mythological paintings by famous Mughal painters can be shown here.
Textile Gallery
The royal costumes are displayed in the first floor of the Mubarak Mahal. The enormous Atamsukh, a beautiful rich Banaras brocade quilted cloak of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I is an object of amazement.
Baggi Khana
There are many Chariots and Coaches of or say baggies are displayed. The most interesting amongst these are the 19th century European cab adapted to Indian conditions and the Thakurji ka Rath.
The two silver jars the largest silver object in the world, as per entry in the Guinness Book of World record made in The City Palace in 1896 weighing 345 kg each and taken to England by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II filed with Ganges water in 1902 can be seen in Sarvatobhadra.
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India’s Largest Salt Lake ‘Sambhar Lake’ To Be Developed Into An Eco Tourism Site
Sambhar Lake 'India's Largest Salt Lake' To Be Developed as EcoTourism Site
Sambhar, India’s largest salt lake, is 190 sq km in extent at full capacity, and lays some 60 km west of Jaipur.
The waters of Sambhar have been used for centuries to make salt. There is, however, another distinctive feature of this extensive saline wetland.
Sambhar Lake - Designated As “Ramsar Site” in 1990
During winter, it receives tens of thousands of winged visitors, some migrating from as far north as Siberia. For such waterfowl as the flamingo, Sambhar lake is one of the few habitats that ensure sustenance every year.
Sambhar lake was designated as a Ramsar site (recognized wetland of international importance) in 1990 to recognize the importance to protect the winter home of these Siberian birds.
Sambhar Lake As An Eco-Tourism Site
Now the government have decided to develop Sambhar Lake as an Eco-Tourism site, which will showcase the salt manufacturing process in the past 50 years. The site will enable people to experience the process through history, right from the British rule to present day.
The 90-km stretch of rail track near the lake, which is famous for the flamingoes, is a very picturesque location. Several Bollywood movies have been shot against its backdrop.
Others Attractions Around Sambhar Lake
The tiny hamlet dotted with historic buildings, the oldest salt museum, Devyani Kund and several renowned temples are some of the places you can visit while you are traveling near Sambhar.
Sambhar is also famous for Nandkeshwar Fair on Dhulandi. During the month of Falgun various events are performed for people to enjoy the mood of holi with BHANG ‘A Natural Alocohol’.
The Naliasar Pond, just 4 km south of Salt Lake City, is crammed with waterfowl-shovelers, common teals, pintails, common pochards, tufted pochards, gadwalls, graylag and bar-headed geese and even busty shelduck that fly swiftly overhead.
City Palace Museum in Udaipur - Perfect Destination To Trace The Relics of The Bygone Era
The huge City Palace, towering over the Pichola Lake, is the largest palace in Rajasthan. Construction of this palace was started by Maharana Udai Singh, the city’s founder. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum with a large and varied collection.
City Palace Museum Also Known as ” Pratap Museum”
City Palace Museum in Udaipur
Located inside the complex of City Palace, this museum is also known as Pratap Museum. The name Pratap Museum was given because the museum holds dear the armor of the brave and gallant Maharana Pratap and also possesses the drums and bugles of the great ruler Rana Sanga.
As you enter the City Palace, the straight way will take you to this museum of artifacts. The entrance gate of the City Museum is known as Ganesh Deori, which means “Door of Lord Ganesha”.
It was established in 1890 and is one of the earliest museums of the Rajasthan.
Priceless Possessions of Detailed Rajasthani Art
The museum has priceless possessions of the former age like antique paintings of Mewar and detailed Rajasthani art. You will find an unusual assortment of coins, sculptures, inscriptions, portraits and wall-paintings here.
It also displays the turban of Khurram, who was popularly known as Emperor ShahJahan. The turban still depicts the friendship that survived between ShahJahan and Maharana Khazan Singh.
Different Sections of The Museum
The museum is divided into several pavilions and halls. Every pavilion has a distinct theme of its own.
- Mor Chowk and Manka Mahal
The museum includes the Mor Chowk with its beautiful peacocks in mosaics. The Manka (Ruby) Mahal has glass and porcelain figures while Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of miniatures.
- Bari Mahal, Zenana Mahal and Moti Mahal
In the Bari Mahal, there is a fine central garden. Zenana Mahal is the main place where you can see arms and armor, paintings and photographs, majestic insignia, processional accouterments and various other objects that reveals the royal legacy and conventions of the Maharanas of Mewar and Sisodia..
The Moti Mahal has beautiful mirror work and the Chini Mahal is covered in ornamental tiles.
The city museum opens between 10-4:30 and is closed on fridays and gazetted holidays.
Arabic And Persian Research Institute in Tonk , Rajasthan - Rare Collection of Arabic and Persian Artifacts and Books
Tonk is a small town, located at a distance of 96 kms from Jaipur. It is popular among tourists for its magnificent mosques, mansions and havelis.
In the ancient times, Tonk was ruled by the tribes of ‘Pathans’ from Afghanistan. The old town boasts of the architecture prevalent in Mughal era.
Arabic and Persian Research Institute
Tonk Arabic and Persian Research Institute
There is a research institute in Tonk which has a library of Arabic, Persian and Urdu manuscripts and a rare collection of literature from India, Iran & Arabian countries.
Famous Art Gallery of Institute
An Art Gallery was started in 2002, in which many artistic presentations of different classes are displayed. The beautiful calligraphic designs enchant the comers. Namda calligraphy, art of charming photography, collection of postage stamps etc. capture the eye of the visitors.
Calligraphy on human hair, pulse, rice and sesame alongwith the lines written inside the transparent glass bottles has made the Institute a centre of attraction of tourists and visitors.
Display Hall
A separate hall with the name of “Display Hall” is also maintained for displaying some of the important and historical manuscripts enriched with some of the seal impressions of kings, princesses etc. and notes in their own hand writings with signatures etc., which are preserved under the intact show-cases covered with a transparent glass for the common people.
The various manuscripts on different subjects written with golden frontispiece and floral designs drawn with the ink made of precious stones are a centre of attraction not only for the scholars but also for the general public.
Government Museum in Jaisalmer - Insight View On Glorious Past of Jaisalmer
Situated amid picturesque Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer city commands premiere position among the tourist attractions in Rajasthan. The Jaisalmer city is revered both by Indian as well as foreign tourists.
Like various other cities of Rajasthan, in Jaisalmer too you will find different facets of its own glorious heritage. Although you can find historical monuments scattered all over the city, the Jaisalmer Fort and Museums of Jaisalmer will immediately command your attention.
About Government Museum in Jaisalmer
Government Museum in Jaisalmer City
The Government Museum of Jaisalmer is an important landmark. It was inaugurated in the year 1984. The museum is located on Police Line Road near Moomal Hotel of RTDC and further south of the Jawahar Niwas Palace.
Different Exhibits of the Museum
The large collection of objects like wood and sea fossils help one to get insight into the glorious past days of Jaisalmer and throughout the Rajasthan region.
The main attraction of the museum are 72 stone sculptures and 8 inscriptions, 65 coins, 13 paintings, 179 embroidered dresses and handicraft. These sculptures which belonged to primitive towns like Kiradu and Lodurva, a Jain Pilgrimage, bear proofs of the artistic tradition of the then society. These are as old as 12th century pulsating with glory and grandeur. The uniqueness lies in the beautiful glass case exhibiting the Great Indian Bustard and Tailor.
Time to visit this museum is between 10.00 am to 4:30 pm. No entry fee is required on Monday. This museum remain closed on Fridays and all the gazatted holidays.
Ghoomar - Famous Social Folk Dance of Rajasthan
Dance is an expression of human emotion as much as music and it is found in almost limitless.
The desert region of Rajasthan is famous for the color and vibrancy of its folk forms. Each region in Rajasthan has its own form of folk dance. Tribal areas have maintained these folk dances which are often performed for special occasions.
Ghoomar - Rajasthan’s Popular Folk Dance
Ghoomar - Popular Rajasthani Folk Dance
The famous Ghoomar, Rajasthan’s popular folk dance gets its name from ‘ghoomna’, the pirouetting which displays the spectacular colors of the flowing ‘ghaghara’, the long skirt of the Rajasthani women.
There is an amazing grace as the skirt flair slowly while the women folk twirl in circles, their faces covered with the help of the veil. Their measured steps and various graceful inclinations of body, beating palms or snapping fingers at particular cadences while singing some lilting songs.
Women from all age group participate in Ghoomer dance. At times this dance may continue for hours or the whole night. While dancing, the dancers move in a circular direction with clockwise and anti-clockwise steps. The performers sometimes unite their hands and even clap their hand in-between.
The performers move gracefully on the beat of the songs in synchronizing steps. As the tempo of the dance increases, the dancers swirl fleetly.
Traditional Ritual in Rajasthani People
The Ghoomar dance is the characteristic dance of the Bhils and a community dance of the Rajputs, also which only the women traditionally perform. It is considered as one of the traditional rituals among this community. So, on the occasion of marriage, a bride is expected to dance Ghoomar after being welcomed at her husband’s home.
Suggestions
If you happen to travel Rajasthan in festival season, don’t miss a ghoomar recital at the City Palace in Jaipur.
Albert Hall in Jaipur - Reflection Of Excellence of Indo-Saracenic Style of Architecture
Albert Hall Museum in Ram Niwas Bagh, Jaipur
Jaipur the pink city of India houses lot of attractions for the tourists in which Albert Hall Museum is one of them. The museum is located in the centre of the sprawling Ram Niwas Bagh. This is one of the oldest of Museums in Rajasthan.
This magnificent building reflects the excellence of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. It has been modeled in accordance with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
The exquisitely designed garden with forcentry doors and a vast complex with small pools and fountains, flourishing lawns and beautiful flower beds all around was named after Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria’s husband.
The various sections represented in the museum includes Armour, Textiles, Carpets, Paintings, Geology and Dolls Sections.
Beautiful and Fascinating Carpets of Persian
As you start looking around, you will get to see many beautiful and fascinating carpets including the magnificent Persian Garden Carpet, one of India’s finest art treasures in the Durbar Hall.
Egyptian Mummy of Ptolemaic Epoch and Miniature Paintings
There is an Egyptian mummy belonging to the Ptolemaic Epoch. There are miniature paintings of various sub-schools of Rajasthan. A glimpse of the land the people of Rajasthan is presented through well planned dioramas.
Beautiful Galleries in Museum
From 1959 onwards the various galleries along the ground floor of the museum were completely reorganized and renovated. People of Rajasthan from the higher strata of society, such as Rajputs and seths as well as the common tribal people like Mennas, Bhopas, Bhils, Gadoliya Lohar etc. find depiction here in their typical dresses and ornaments.
Typical Designs and Motifs in Mehndi Mandana
Typical designs and motifs in Mehndi Mandana, so characteristic of Rajasthani ladies, are also highlighted in the gallery. In the antechamber of wing is exhibited puppetry from Rajasthan & the painted scroll delineating the scenes from pabuji Rathore’s life, a great folk hero from Marwar.
The central gallery is devoted to Rajasthani music and dance. Original musical instruments, both classical and folk, are displayed in their functional positions. Specimens include typical folk instruments like Masak, Kama, Yacha, Dadh, Madal, Khanjari, Satari, Bankia, Pungi, Alogoja, Iktara etc.
Bhartiya Lok Kala Kendra in Udaipur - Remarkable Collection of Rajasthani Folk Art
Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum in Udaipur
Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum, one of the most popular attractions of Udaipur city, was established in the year 1952 by Padma Shri Devi Lal Samar. The museum has the sole intention of preserving the culture and art of Rajasthan and its adjacent states.
Interesting Collection of Rajasthani Folk Art
There is quite interesting collection exhibited in this small museum including dresses, dolls, masks, musical instruments and paintings.
The henna handprints, the terracotta shrines, and the colored decorative pieces made out of cow dung floors are exquisite. These come from the Molela village near Nathdwara.
Just adjacent to it is a laudable collection of musical instruments which was primarily used by tribal folks. The museum also exhibits a collection of tribal ornaments.
Puppet Theater in Museum
A puppet theater is also located within the museum. Puppet shows are quite popular in Rajasthan and are considered to be an inimitable way of entertainment. In this section of museum, puppet shows are held at regular intervals.
Since the Mewar Rajputs have always held onto their traditions and culture, this was an important means of entertainment even for them.
Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal
The people from Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal has taken all the pains and gathered outstanding items of Rajasthan. These include miniature paintings, sculptures, leather items and several other handicrafts that make Udaipur as well as Rajasthan unique.
In this museum various artist perform their art on stage from time to time and thus becomes part of tourist attraction itself.
Government Museum in Ajmer - Narrates The Rich History of Rajasthan
Ajmer Government Museum is one of the most attractive propositions of the city of Ajmer. It narrates the rich history of the place and preserves it with utmost care is the.
The museum is situated in the heart of the old city and is close to the railway station. The museum is housed in the beautiful fort and palace built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1570. After British occupation in 1818 and during the first war of Independence in 1857 it was used as the Rajputana Arsenal by the British which gave the name magazine.
Government Museum in Ajmer
Museum Also Known as “Rajputan Museum”
The Museum was started in 1908 by the Government of India with the object of collecting and preserving many unique objects of antiquarian interest which were lying uncared for and scattered all over Rajasthan.
The rajputan Museum as it is significantly named, has in its galleries important exhibits from almost all the princely States. There is a library attached to his museum which cotains rare books and important historical publications.
Different Sections of Ajmer Government Museum
The Museum houses a rich collection of artifacts ranging from the Guptas to the late medieval period.
- Home of Excellent Collection of Sculptures
An excellant collection of sculptures from the Chauhan centre of Baghera (10th 12th A.D.) are also preserved here as also a fine collection of Jain Tirthankara images and rare images of Gomukha Yaksha and Saraswati which are on display in the Jain gallery of this Museum.
- Epigraphical Section
The Epigraphical section has around hundered exhibits, many of whom are still in excellent condition.Of special interest are the Brahmi inscription from Barli (2nd century B.C.), the Jodhpur Inscription of Bauka, the Pratapgarh Inscription of Mahendrapala II and the Nagari. Samoli Slab Inscription of Siladitya.
A number of important copper plate grants add to the value of rich collection of museum. They include: two copper plates of Maharaj Sarvanatha of Uchchhakapla (437-38 A.D. refferring to Kalachuri Era), Daulatpura copper plate of the Pratihara king Bhojadeva and, the copper plate of Rana Kumbha of Mewar.
- Rich Collection of Paintings and Coins
The museum also has a rich collection of paintings and coins. From the early punch marked coins to those of the Gupta coins, once can trace the developments of coins in India. Coins of the Rajputs kings are also preserved here.
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum in Bikaner - Explore Royal Treasure of Rajasthan
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum was founded by his Majesty Ganga Singh, on the occasion of his golden jubilee in 1937, when he completed fifty years of his reign. A big celebration was held and dignitaries from overseas graced the festivity.
At first the museum was housed in a sand stone building near the Lalgarh palace in Bikaner, but it was rather a small building and was shifted to a new building in the Civil lines in 1954. Then it was handed over to the state government of Rajasthan.
The exhibits are splendid master pieces of Harappan civilization, Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time.
Principal Sections of the Museum
Historical Mughal Farmans
The History of Bikaner contains a colourful record of war adventures. More than half a dozen rulers lost their lives while participating in the imperial campaigns of the Mughals.
Various ‘Farmans’ bearing original Imperial seals, issued by the Emperors - Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb and Shah Alam, are preserved in this museum.
Exquisite Collection Miniatures Paintings
An exquisite collection of Rajasthani miniatures paintings of almost all the sub-schools of Rajasthan such as Bikaner, Bundi, Mewar, Jaipur, Jodhpur etc. are on view here.
Finest Collections of Early Terracotta Art
The museum has one of the finest collections of early terracotta art, in the country. These belong to the early Gupta period and were discovered in 1017 AD by Dr. L. P. Tessitori from the ancient Theris of Rang Mahal, Badopal, Pir Sultan-Ki-Theri located between Suratgarh and Hanumangarh of the old Bikaner state.
Sculptures Section
The sculpture of Jain Saraswati (11th-12th Century) is a unique piece of marble of four feet eight inches in height. Discovered from village Pallu (Ganganagar), it is a peerless example of medieval Indian sculpture.
Lacquer Work
The museum has a fine collection of superb lacquered works, a craft special to Bikaner entirely done by the artisans, called Ustas (Ustaads), on wood, metal, glass, stone, leather and ostrich egg shells.
Wood And Stone Carvings
Bikaner stands almost unsurpassed in wood and stone carvings. A teak wood table and a wooden casket, a model of the Gajner Palace (Bikaner), a typical ‘Ikka’ (horse drawn cart) and chariot with minutest details are on view in the museum.
