- Source: Shashvat Art Gallery Jammu
The Shashvat Art Gallery Jammu is a cultural institution that has been showcasing the heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, India, since its establishment in 1930. It maintains a collection of old artifacts ranging from the 300 years to modern works of art. The organisation functions with the active support of Ministry of Culture, Government of India and Government of Jammu and Kashmir. The museum is situated in Panjthirthi locality of Jammu town near Mubark Mandi Complex, Jammu. The museum has around 100,000 artifacts, artworks, craft items, jewelry, manuscripts, and miniatures, mostly representing the heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
History
Initially, a museum was established with collections of royal ornaments and artifacts related to Dogra maharaja and rajas of different localities of Jammu and Kashmir by Lala Rekhi Ram. It owns a collection of unique royal designs and artworks. Later, Lala Mast Ram Abrol developed the other section of the museum and added a manuscripts library. In 1999, Suresh Abrol, the grandson of Lala Rekhi Ram, expanded the collection to many folds. The gallery owns a collection of artifacts and artworks including the following:
7,000 manuscripts in various languages and scripts
A 21-foot Shajra (prophetic lineage) document
Rare miniature Paintings and Ancient Paintings
Decorative Arts
Manuscripts
Royal Jewelries
Publication
Calligraphy on various materials
Utensils and ornaments
Collections
The gallery also houses a collection of jewelry, representing local Dogra and Gujjars traditions. From the heavy ornaments "Nau Lada" and "Sat Lada" necklaces to the intricate "Hasli" and the dazzling "Seri", these ornaments speak volumes about the cultural significance of various communities of Jammu and Kashmir.
The museum has helped a number of scholars representing various universities to complete their degrees on heritage and is now nationally recognized for its invaluable treasure of art and collections of rare artifacts.
See also
SPS Museum, Srinagar
Dogra Art Museum, Jammu
National Museum of India
