[an incomplete post]

Museums are (in my professional opinion, since their first emergence in the 17^th century up to this day in the 21^st) important tools in the nation-building project. They have long been instruments of the state intended to unite various historical narratives under a singular appellation, identity and destiny. It is no surprise then, that in a still developing nation such as India, the various museums that populate the country are an interesting insight into the nature of this country’s self image, aspirations and struggling development in this world.

Delhi - Humayun’s Tomb, a world heritage site
The cost to enter this collection of buildings, cenotaphs, temples and gardens is five times as expensive for foreigners. But, it’s still worth the few dollars to be able to explore the impressive 15^th century stone structures and to walk the expansive grounds. When you first walk through the gates, past the military guards and the official looking ticket collector, you are offered wall placards with a very thorough description of the ongoing restoration project. The professionalism, international standards and even the exceptional cost are emphasized. Indeed, as we walked the grounds we saw craftsmen chipping away at stones on the ground in preparation for the the rebuilding of some ancient facade while 4 indian men wrestled with a oversized hose trying to establish a siphon from the fountain to water the lawn.

In the center of Delhi, with foreign tourist traffic assured, the state run complex is committed to showing they are deserving of such international treasures.

Jodhpur, the Amaregh Fort
Rehabilitated in the last quarter century

Rehabilitated

A very impressive fort

Maharaja’s personal project which he set up a trust for

Worked with the getty to provide information about the objects

Has a great audio tour which the maharaj contributes to, several times.

Is obviously shadowing western museum conventions: like -

But, belies its Indian provenance between cracked paint

A self promoter and proponent of rajastahani independence and a strident pride in their clan’s lineage and apparent right to rule.

Amedeabad - calico museum of textiles, City Museum, Museum of Kites

Jaisalmer Havelis

Sea Shell Museum

This entry was posted on Monday, February 4th, 2008 at 7:12 pm and is filed under india.