Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum is situated within the City Palace complex and nestled amidst old buildings, temples and the palace quarters. This museum was built by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II in 1959. The exhibition consist of the ancestral collections built up by the successive rulers of Amer and Jaipur, and is presently run by a public charitable trust. Within the museum, a various collection of paintings, manuscripts, weapons and armours was displayed in the Pothikhaana (library) and the Silehkhana or armoury of the palace.
At present, within the museum are three galleries as:
Textile Gallery:
In the first floor of the Mubarak Mahal, is the Textile and Costume gallery. The enormous Atamsukh, a charming rich Banaras brocade quilted cloak of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I is an object of amazement. The large variety of hand block prints of Sanganer, Tie and Die Lehariya, Pashmina shawls, rosary bags, caps, Thal Poshes, 17th and 18th century cloth and fine Daca Muslin are displayed here. Musical instruments, glass cutlery and Indian games are also available within the museum.
Sileh Khana (Armoury Gallery):
The Silehkhana of the museum is made in a beautifully decorated suite of rooms. One of the biggest collection of the Indian weapons in the world are edged weapons and antique handguns, which are displayed here in a most artistic and symbolic manner. The edge weapons are as Heavy Khanda(sword) probably of Raja Man Singh I, swords of Mughal emperors Jehangir and Shahjahan, Talwars, pointed Guptis and Asas, night polo ball, Sawai Jai Singh's pistol and matchlock guns of 17th century Jujarba(Camel Guns), lances, Katars, Knives and Arrows of various shapes and sizes, Maces and Gunpowder flasks, and Howdahs(Elephants seat used during hunting) are also on display. Other various sections of an enticing gunpowder flasks housed with horn, ivory, leather and sea shell, inlaid with delicately carved ivory of mother of pearl and decorated with embroidered motifs. Shields made of tough crocodile, rhinoceros, antler and buffalo hide, embossed, lacquered or painted and set with boxes of chiselled steel gilt or studded with precious stones.
Art Gallery:
The large and fine collection of Indian Miniature Paintings, Carpets from Kabul and Herat of 17th century, paper cuttings, illustrated and unillustrated manuscripts, decorated book covers, palm leaf and Sanchipat manuscripts, 19th century photographs and photographic instruments, items of paraphernalia and regalia are displayed in the Sabha Niwas which is now famous as Art gallery. Sets of Ragamala of 18th century, Durga Path 18th century, Srimad-Bhagavata, 18th century and the life size portraits of the rulers of Jaipur by artists sahib Ram are displayed here. The museum has also a collection of miniature paintings including two unique and priceless manuscripts of the Persian translation of the two Hindu epics, e.i. the Ramayan and the Mahabharata. The painted photograph of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II is a special attraction of the Art gallery. There are rare bird and animal studies by Ustad Mansur, court scenes, battle scenes, portraits and mythological paintings by popular Mughal painters.
The museum surrounded by visitors from all over the world especially in winters, it is found over crowded. A separate entry fee for the Indians, foreigners and students are provided by the Museum staff . If a large group of students enter within the museum, the tickets are provided in concessional rate. The staff of the museum with their traditional dresses makes the atmosphere of the museum more welcoming. The museum organizes many workshops and other educational activities, specially for children. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II museum is one the centre for excellence. |
