|
Prince of Wales
Museum of Western India
 Prince of Wales Museum King George V, who as Prince of Wales, laid the foundation stone of this museum in 1905. Situated near the gateway of India, it was designed in the indo-Saracenic style to commemorate the King's first visit to India.
During the First World War, it was used as a hospital. It was opened as a museum in 1923 and has three main sections: Art, Archaeology and Natural History.
One of the best museums in the country, it is a treasure house of art, sculpture, China, rare coins and old firearms. It also has a priceless collection of miniature paintings.
The major endeavour of the Art section at the museum was to develop its collection of Indian paintings so that it represents the different styles and phases. Consequently the collection presents the evolution of painting in India, ranging between 11th and 12th century illustrated palm leaf manuscripts to early 19th century Pahari paintings. Exquisite examples of all the main schools of miniature painting are on view, Rajput, Mughal, Pahari, and Deccani Each school with its characteristic style has its own delicacy of form and colour.
The glistering white marble dome crowning this building can be sighted from a distance as it lies nestled amidst a well-laid out garden.
|
