Sharma inaugurates exhibition of rare collection of Nizam’s jewels and jewellery

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Minister of State for Culture (IC) Dr Mahesh Sharma on February 18, 2019, inaugurated an exhibition of rare collection comprising 173 precious jewels and jewellery items of exquisite workmanship titled “Jewels of India: The Nizam’s Jewellery Collection”.

Arun Goel, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Dr B R Mani, DG, National Museum, and other senior officers of Ministry of Culture and National Museum were present on the occasion. The exhibition has been organised by the National Mueseum, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The exhibition has been curated by Sanjib Kumar Singh and his team from the National Museum under the guidance of Dr B. R. Mani, DG, National Museum.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mahesh Sharma said that this is the third time that the Nizam’s jewellery has been put on public display before the people especially the youth which will help them familiarise with their rich cultural heritage.

DrMani, DG, National Museum, said that it is the privilege of the National Museum to bring out the exhibition of such rare and precious gems and jewels belonging to the period ranging from 18^th century to the early 20^th century.  A portfolio on the Nizam’s jewellery collection and a booklet was also released on the occasion.

The Nizams’ Jewellery is one of largest and rich collection of Jewels that was purchased in 1995 by the Government of India at a cost of Rs 218 Crore. The collection had remained in the custody of ” Nizam Jewellery Trust” and ” Nizam Supplemental Jewellery Trust” formed by the last Nizam Mir Osman All Khan in 1951-1952 to safe-guard the ancestral wealth of the family. The trustees kept this treasure of great historical value in the vaults of Hong Kong Bank.

When the Government of India acquired this collection in 1995, after a prolonged legal battle, it was shifted to the vaults of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Mumbai, where it remained till June 29, 2001. It was brought and kept in the vaults of the RBI, New Delhi, for safety and has now been shifted to the National Museum for a befitting display, the preparations of which are complete from all points of view including round-the-dock security, according to a PIB release.

This exhibition has been organised for the third time to exhibit the Nizam’s Jewellery Collection. Prior to this, the Nizam’s jewellery was displayed twice at National Museum. The first exhibition was held from August 29 to September 15, 2001, in which 173 objects were put on display. The second exhibition was held from 26 September 26 to December 30 2007.

The exhibition will remain open for public viewing  from 19^th February 19,  2019, to May 5, 2019 from 10 am to 6 pm (except Mondays and National  Holidays).  Entry will be by Special ticket of Rs.50 per person.