SPS Museum showcases Kashmir’s rich history, culture

Srinagar, May 18: On International Museum Day, the Shri Pratap Singh (SPS) Museum in Srinagar transformed itself into a vibrant tapestry of Kashmir's rich history and culture.

Through a series of captivating exhibitions and activities, the museum aimed to educate visitors, especially young minds, about the region's ancient and diverse heritage.

One of the highlights was a collaborative effort with the Archaeological Survey of India titled "Monumental Glory." This photo exhibition showcased the grandeur of Kashmir's historical monuments, serving as a visual reminder of the region's long and illustrious past.

For art enthusiasts, a special exhibition on miniature paintings offered a glimpse into the diverse artistic schools that flourished in Kashmir.

Visitors were marveled at the exquisite details and vibrant colors that characterized these miniature masterpieces.

However, the centerpiece of the celebration was undoubtedly the replica of Burzahama, believed to be one of the earliest settlements in the region. This unique exhibit showcased the circular pit dwellings used by the inhabitants thousands of years ago, offering a fascinating window into their underground way of life.

Beyond these special displays, the museum's permanent collections remained open, allowing visitors to delve deeper into Kashmir's story.

The numismatics and archaeology sections boasted a treasure trove of artifacts, including terracotta figures, stone sculptures, and bronze objects.

Mushtaq Ahmad Beigh, Assistant Director, Archives Archaeology and Museums Srinagar told Greater Kashmir that we had put up different schools of paintings in miniature paintings, including Basohli, Kangra, Pahari, and Kashmiri.

"We gave representation to every school so that people would know the variety of painting traditions we have,” he said.

He said that the exhibition not only provided a platform to showcase Kashmir's rich cultural heritage but also aimed to engage and educate the younger generation about the importance of preserving and promoting their artistic and historical treasures.

Rabia Qureshi, Curator at the museum told Greater Kashmir that a collection of over 40 artifacts, aged more than 300 years old, representing the artistic traditions of the Jammu School of Art, Kashmir School of Art, Basohli, and Kangra schools were displayed.

“The museum houses various sections, including numismatics, archaeology, decorative arts and crafts, natural history, arms and armory, and culture and society,” she said.

Emphasising the museum's commitment to education and outreach, Qureshi said that, "We have made the knowledge of the museum that we have tried to spread it far and wide. And it is not easy to cater to 3000 visitors in a single day."