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Archaeological Museum

The Archeological Museum of Delhi is a key landmark of the state and hence a major tourist destination, especially for those who love history and anything associated with culture and heritage.

Location

The iconic museum is located in the Purana Qila or Old Fort complex. It lies to the east of the famous India Gate and to the north of Humayun’s Tomb on Mathura Rd. The fort finds mention in the Ramayana as it is believed by historians that it must have been used by the Pandavas as Indraprastha have served as the capital town of the Pandavas, Indraprastha, at some point of time.

What Objects Of Historical Relevance Can Be Seen Here

The Archaeological Museum was home to many invaluable and historical relevant items such as artifacts, fabrics, paintings, calligraphy, ancient pottery works, medieval era coins and many other fascinating objects. It is widely believed that these objects are from the Mughal Era. The amazing collection of ancient art pieces is one of the key attractions of the museum and the reason why it attracts tourists; both Indian and foreigners, art lovers, students of history and teachers in large numbers. The museum also houses numerous antiques that have been recovered from various locations in and around the city.

What the Visitors Miss

Many history experts opine that the museum could have had a much larger slice of history on display but for the fact that an enormous amount of objects from the Mughal era including gems, diamonds and precious stones were plundered and taken away by the British rulers to be displayed in their private museums and libraries or to be simply sold to private antique collectors. This has left the museum with a much smaller collection of items from the Mughal Era.

The Galleries

Detailed and careful planning is evident in every gallery of the Archeological Museum. There are six galleries each of which is dedicated to a theme representing the Mughal period. Emperor Akbar and kings succeeding him as well the articles of their era occupy pride of place at the first few sections of the museum. There are miniature paintings, inscriptions made of stone, manuscripts, stone inscriptions, royal orders or Farmans and a host of other invaluable things.

Another gallery is dedicated to objects that were used in ancient times to make calculations related to astronomy. Also on display are jade, tiles and porcelain, objects. The hilts of swords and daggers are truly enchanting objects that stand out here because of their mesmerizing beauty.

A Gallery Dedicated to a Famous King

The museum has a gallery dedicated to Bahadur Shah Zafar. It displays the personal belongings of the Mughal king and his Queen such as dresses, toilet box, rose water sprinklers, powder horns and others. Brilliantly designed calligraphy which displays ghazals penned by Bahadur Shah Zafar II is a major attraction for visitors. Photographs of the king are displayed prominently along with an ivory miniature painting which is believed to be of Zeenat Mahal.

Information for Visitors

A visit to this amazing Archaeological Museum can tell you a lot about our glorious past, both in words and pictorially. The museum is open on all days except Fridays and holidays from 0900 Hrs to 1700 Hrs. The entry fee is INR 5 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners.

How To Reach

Archeological Museum is located at Purana Qila on Mathura Road. There are a good number of private buses, taxis and autos plying from Delhi Railway Station to the museum.

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