Salar Jung Museum

The Salar Jung Museum, located on the southern bank of the Musli River in Hyderabad, Telangana, is one of India’s premier national museums and among the largest single-person art collections in the world. It houses an extensive and eclectic assemblage of artefacts collected by Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, popularly known as Salar Jung III. The museum reflects India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, alongside a remarkable range of art, sculpture, manuscripts, and decorative objects from various civilisations across the globe.

Historical Background

The Salar Jung Museum owes its existence to the vision and passion of Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan (1889–1949), the former Prime Minister of the Hyderabad State under the Nizam’s rule. Belonging to the distinguished Salar Jung family, he devoted much of his life and fortune to amassing a vast collection of art and artefacts from different regions of the world, including India, Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.
After his death in 1949, the collection remained in the Salar Jung family’s possession. Recognising its immense cultural value, the Government of India acquired and preserved it as a public institution. The Salar Jung Museum was inaugurated on 16 December 1951 by the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Originally housed in the Salar Jung family’s ancestral palace, Diwan Deodi, the museum was later shifted to its present building at Dar-ul-Shifa in 1968 to accommodate its growing collection and visitor base.

Architecture and Layout

The present complex of the Salar Jung Museum consists of three main wings: the Eastern Wing (Mir Laiq Ali Khan Bhavan), the Western Wing (Mir Turab Ali Khan Bhavan), and the Central Block, which houses administrative offices and central galleries. The museum’s architectural design blends modern functionality with cultural aesthetics, ensuring optimal display and preservation of artefacts.
A large domed hall at the centre features exhibits of national significance, while galleries are arranged thematically and geographically, providing visitors with a global artistic experience.

Collections and Galleries

The Salar Jung Museum’s collection comprises over 47,000 art objects, 9,000 manuscripts, and 60,000 printed books, making it one of India’s richest repositories of artistic heritage. The items are categorised into distinct galleries:

• Indian Art Collection: Includes sculptures, miniature paintings, carvings, textiles, metalware, jade, and weaponry representing Mughal, Deccan, and South Indian traditions. The Veiled Rebecca, a marble statue by Italian sculptor Giovanni Maria Benzoni, is one of its most celebrated exhibits.
• Western Art Collection: Features European paintings, clocks, furniture, and porcelains, particularly from the Renaissance and Victorian periods. Notable artists represented include Raffaello and Tiziano.
• Eastern Art Collection: Comprises Chinese, Japanese, and Persian artefacts such as jade carvings, porcelain, lacquer work, and silk embroideries. The collection reflects the artistic excellence of East and Central Asia.
• Manuscripts and Rare Books: The museum’s manuscript section includes illuminated Qur’ans, Persian and Arabic manuscripts, and illustrated texts on science, literature, and calligraphy.
• Arms and Armour: Displays swords, daggers, firearms, and shields from different periods, including those owned by Mughal and Deccan rulers.
• Clocks Gallery: A unique and popular feature of the museum, displaying over 300 clocks from various countries and eras, including musical and mechanical clocks dating back to the 18th century.

The Salar Jung Family Legacy

The Salar Jung family served as Prime Ministers of Hyderabad for over a century, beginning with Salar Jung I (Mir Turab Ali Khan), who was instrumental in modernising the Hyderabad administration in the 19th century. Successive generations contributed to art patronage, but it was Salar Jung III whose passion for collecting created the foundation of the present museum.
He personally acquired artefacts through art dealers, auctions, and private sales from across Europe, the Middle East, and India. His collection represents a lifetime of dedication to the preservation and appreciation of global artistic achievements.

Administration and Legal Status

In 1961, the museum was declared an Institution of National Importance by an Act of Parliament known as the Salar Jung Museum Act, 1961. It is governed by the Salar Jung Museum Board, which functions under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The museum also houses a conservation laboratory, photo section, and library, all working to maintain, document, and research the extensive collection. Special attention is given to the conservation of delicate items such as textiles, manuscripts, and ivory sculptures using scientific techniques.

Educational and Cultural Role

Beyond its role as a repository of art, the Salar Jung Museum serves as a major centre for education, research, and cultural exchange. Scholars and students frequently utilise its resources for studying art history, museology, and heritage conservation.
The museum organises thematic exhibitions, workshops, and cultural programmes to promote awareness of India’s artistic diversity. It also collaborates with national and international museums for exhibitions and research initiatives.

Notable Exhibits

Some of the most famous artefacts in the museum include:

• Veiled Rebecca – A marble statue showcasing remarkable sculptural transparency.
• Double Statue of Mephistopheles and Margaretta – A wooden sculpture that shows two figures when viewed from opposite sides.
• Jade Collection – Exquisite Mughal-era jade daggers and ornaments, including pieces owned by Emperor Jahangir and Aurangzeb.
• European Clocks and Furniture – Ornate French and English pieces reflecting the craftsmanship of the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Japanese Bronze Figures and Chinese Porcelain – Representing East Asian artistry and symbolism.

Preservation and Modernisation

The Salar Jung Museum continuously updates its infrastructure for preservation and visitor engagement. Digital cataloguing, improved lighting systems, and controlled display environments ensure artefacts’ longevity. Efforts are ongoing to expand online accessibility, allowing virtual tours and database searches for researchers worldwide.
The museum’s conservation section employs advanced methods such as fumigation, deacidification, and temperature regulation to preserve artefacts against damage caused by age, humidity, and pollution.