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.
