MUSEUMS, ART GALLERIES, ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES
The following are the institutions and programmes in the field of Museums, art gallaries, archives and libraries:
(1) National Museum, New Delhi, Central Conservation Laboratory, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, Indian Museum, Calcutta, Victoria Memorial Hall, Calcutta, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library New Delhi, Indian War Memorial Museum, Delhi, Dr. Zakir Hussain Memorial Museum, Delhi, National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, Gandhi Darshan, Delhi.
(2) National Archives, New Delhi, National Library, Calcutta,Central Reference Library, Calcutta, Delhi Public Library, Delhi, Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library, Patna, Central Library, Town Hall, Bombay, Grants to other libraries and Central Secretariat Lib- rary including Central Language Library (Tulsi Sadan).
National Museum, New Delhi The National Museum as the premier museum in the country, continued to develop its activities in the field of acquisitions, exhibitions, conservation and educational programmes.
While art objects worth nine lakh rupees were purchased by the Museum, 181 objects were received as gifts from various sources. Significant among the gifts are two plaster-casts, one Gudea of Ladgash of Mesopatama and one Sumerian Head presented by the Iraq Government to the Prime Minister of India, a fossil wood, 20 million years old presented by the Geological Survey of India, one, stone Royal Head from the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, 42 Chinese and Japanese art objects from the Late Miss Padmaja Naidu.
The Museum organised special exhibitions entitled
(i) 'Sivaji and his times';
(ii) 'Jain art through the ages';
(iii) 'Bengal Folk art from Gurusaday Museum'; and
(iv) 'Ramayana in Asia'.
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Under the scheme of propagation of culture among students in schools and colleges, 100 kits have been produced jointly by the National Museum and University of Delhi and are being distributed to those educational institutions which had deputed their teachers to attend the refresher courses organised at different places on the appreciation of fine arts.
A number of lectures were organised at the Museum. A comprehensive publication on Pahari Paintings on the 'Nala Damayanti Theme' was brought out.
The Museums Modelling Unit continued to prepare plaster replicas of master-pieces of Indian sculpture from the Museum's collection for sale to visitors as well as for supply to educational and cultural institutions.
The Central Conservation Laboratory of the National Museum continued to advise and assist museums in India on conservation of their important objects. The project for the removal of wall- paintings from Phodong Monastery in Sikkim was completed. The Chief Chemist attended the General Assembly of the International' Centre for Conservation, Rome, and also participated in the International museum programme arranged by the Government of the U.S.A. At the invitation from Unesco, he also delivered lectures at the Regional Conservation Training Centre, Baghdad.
Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad The collection of the Salar Jung Museum consists of art objects drawn from all over the world. In this sense, the Salar Jung Museum is a very different museum from other museums of India, which have largely Indian collections.
Research scholars from various countries continued to visit the Museum for studying the Oriental Manuscripts, of which there are more than 7,700 items.
A new gallery has been added, during the period under review, which presents the copies of famous original Western paintings. The display has been arranged in such a manner that the entire western art history from renaissance to the 19th century can be reviewed and appreciated at one glance.
The temporary exhibitions arranged during the year were based on Jain Art, Qutub Shahi Art, Modem Indian paintings, and the New Acquisitions of the Museum. Another feature of the mass education programme of the museum was a series of popular lectures by well-known scholars.
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Indian Museum, Calcutta The Indian Museum comprises six sections of which the three cultural sections, viz., Art, Archaeology and Anthropology are directly under the Museum Directorate and administered by a Board of Trustees and the remaining three scientific sections, viz. Geology, Zoology and Industry (Economic Botany) are under the administrative control of the respective Surveys.
In the Archaeology Section renovation work in the Gandhara Gallery with a view to improving display, is in progress. For the Anthropology Section steps have been taken for improved display in respect of artifacts used by Nicobarese and Angami Nagas.
The Publication Unit published the monograph entitled Mughal Court Painting' written by Dr. Niharranjan Ray.
Besides the usual lectures delivered by eminent scholars in the Popular Lectures series, Dr. Erich Von Daniken, Swiss archaeologist- author, delivered a very interesting lecture "Were the Gods Ancient Astronauts ?"
The Curator, Industrial Section, published a paper on 'Con- specificity of Solanum Khosionum and B. Myriaconthum' and in the course of an exploration tour in Gondhamadan hills of Orissa, the systematic Botanist collected 460 materials.
Study facilities were accorded to the post-graduate students of the Departments of Ancient Indian History and Culture, and Museology of the Calcutta University. The Library of the Museum offered, as usual, its services to a large number of scholars and students.
Victoria Memorial, Calcutta The Memorial is intended to serve as a Period Museum of modern Indian history (1750-1900). As a preparatory measure, the Memorial has acquired, on transfer on loan, from the Corporation of Calcutta, 14 marble busts of prominent 19th century leaders of India. It has been also possible through, the kind offer of the Chief Justice of the High Court, Calcutta, to obtain, on loans, a considerable number of documents of the days of the Sadar Dewani and Nizamat Adalats, besides wills and testaments of prominent personalities like H. L. V. Derozio, Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar and John Palmer. The acquisition of valuable reports and surveys from the custody of the Calcutta Corporation on transport, drainage and water' supply in Calcutta, dating back to 1891, has also been added to the Memorial's archives.
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Apart from the popular lectures by eminent scholars on phases of the 18th and 19th century history and art, the Memorial organised, as part of its academic activities, special exhibitions, particularly intended to serve the needs and interest of students at school, college and university levels. Each one of the three special exhibitions, organised in the year, featuring Tipu Sultan, Pen & Ink Sketches on Old Calcutta by Sir Charless Doy'ly and From Murshidabad to Calcutta-A Tale of two cities, drew a large number of visitors.
The publications, intended to educate the public and to, popularise the Memorial's collections include the Annual Bulletin, Vol. III a classified catalogue of objects on Calcutta and reprint, of picture post-cards.
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi The most important event during the year was the inauguration on April 13, 1975 of 'Son-et-Lumiere' in Teen Murti House. This unique spectacle has been installed by the Jawharlal Nehru. Memorial Fund and it is operated by the Nehru Memorial Museum, and Library.
The new pictorial and documentary exhibition on the Indian, national awakening between the years 1857 and 1915 is nearing completion. It would portray the intellectual, social and political achievements in the country in the pre-Gandhian period.
During the year 1,567 books and 30 volumes of newspapers were added to the library bringing the total number of volumes in the library to 59,795 as on 22-12-1975. The Library is microfilm collection was further augmented by the addition of microfilms of 66 unpublished dissertations obtained from universities abroad and acquisition of microfilms of the Hindoo Patriot, 1854-1923, and other old Indian newspapers. Arrangements were completed for acquisition of microfilms of the Statesman of Calcutta and Civil and Military Gazette of Lahore. The collection of photographs was enriched by the addition of 1,285 photographs.
During the year a collection of more than 8,000 files of the All- India Congress Committee for the post-independence period was accessioned. The records of several Gandhian institutions located in and around, Wardha, and the correspondence of Vinoba Bhave, have also been microfilmed.
Indian War Memorial Museum, Delhi The Indian War Memorial Museum situated at Red Fort, Delhi, exhibits arms, ammunition, equipment and uniforms used in the 1914-18 War. The Museum had to remain closed to the
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public during the current year on account of major repairs to its rool and building. Repairs have been completed in December, 1975 and the exhibits are being arranged for re-display in the Museum.
Dr. Zakir Hussain Memorial Museum, Delhi A mausoleum-cum-museum in memory of this late President Dr. Zakir Hussain is being set up. The museum building is nearing completion, the mausoleum having been completed in 1972. The post of Curator and other ancillary staff has been sanctioned for running the museum. The museum will contain, among other things, the personal belongings of Dr. Zakir Hussain including his collection of geological specimens.
National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi During this period 182 art objects were purchased and added to the Gallery's collections. A prestigeous collection of the late Jamini Roy's rare paintings was also acquired.
4500 students of 54 schools and colleges were given planned guided-tours of the Gallery. About 400 students, trainee-teachers and teachers of various Delhi Schools attended the art appreciation programme arranged by the Gallery.
The exhibition 'A Glimpse of Modern Indian Paintings in Prints' was displayed in the mobile-bus and sent to various schools and organizations. The demand for the mobile-exhibition bus from schools is growing rapidly.
The following exhibitions and illustrated talks were arranged in the Gallery:
(1) Contemporary Polish Paintings.
(2) Selected New Acquisitions.
(3) Selected Paintings and Drawings by George Keyt.
(4) Illustrated talk by Mr. Ingo Timm, a Restorer from East Berlin on the problems of restoring old and modern paintings.
(5) An illustrated talk by Mr. Robert Welch, a distinguished Industrial Designer from Britain.
Gandhi Darshan Samiti, New Delhi The Gandhi Darshan exhibition under the management of Gandhi Darshan Samiti continued to draw a large number of visitors during the period to its pavilions listed below:
(1) My life is My Message.
(2) India of My Dreams.
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(3) Philosophy of Satyagraha.
(4) Truth is God.
(5) Constructive Programme.
(6) India's Freedom Struggle.
As usual, special programmes were organised on Gandhi Nirvan Day on the 30th January, death anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi on the 22nd February, independence day on the 15th August, Gandhi Jayanti Day on the 2nd October and on Nehru Jayanti on the 14th November. These programmes consisted of bhajans, kirtans, patriotic songs, recitation, on-the-spot art, music and games competitions, dance-drama, film shows, etc.
The following temporary exhibitions were also organised on various occasions:
(1) "Indian Woman and Gandhiji"
(2) "Gandhiji's concept of Equality"
(3) "Life and works of Jawaharlal Nehru"
On the occasion of International Women's Year, a public meeting was organised on 22nd February, 1975, to pay homage to Kasturba Gandhi and women freedom fighters.
On 2nd October, 1975 a dance-drama "Apni Kismat Apne Haath" highlighting the 20 point programme of the Prime Minister was staged in the Gandhi Darshan Exhibition.
Reorganisation and Development of Other Museums This is a continuing scheme, Under this scheme ad hoc grants are given to private, museums as well as Central University museums for purchases of equipments, bringing out publications, minor extensions and repairs to the existing museums' buildings and laboratory equipment on the basis of the applications received through the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The scheme also provides for financial assistance, to a few scholars for research in the field of museology. It has not been possible to extend any assistance towards building activities under this scheme this year too, but several museums have been aided for bringing out publications and other approved purposes. The Planning Commission has revised the total Fifth Plan outlay from Rs. 30.00 lakhs to Rs. 45.00 lakhs.
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Exchange of visits of librarians, archivists, museologists, etc.,
with their counterparts in foreign countries and also books, manus-
cripts, microfilm and photo-copies of manuscripts' records, etc.,
under the Cultural Exchange Programmes With a view to making the Department of Culture the implementing agency instead of the National Museum, New Delhi. National Archives of India, National Library, Calcutta, National Gallery of Modern Art, etc., in respect of exchange of visits of librarians, archivists, museologists, etc., with their counterparts in foreign countries and also exchange of books, manuscripts' microfilm. and photo-copies of manuscripts' records, the budget provision has, been included in the Department of Culture's own budget. The Planning Commission has approved a total outlay of Rs. 10.00 lakhs for the Fifth Plan period.
Under this scheme, roughly 2 librarians, 2 archivists and 2 museologists are to go abroad and an equal number of such persons is to be received in this country.
National Library, Calcutta The Committee of Management which was set up by the Government of India in 1973 to, advise the Department of Culture and the Acting Librarian on the functioning of the National Library, had a number of meetings. The Department of Culture has initiated action on some of the suggestions made by Committee.
Efforts are being made to reorganise the Library on functional lilies, as recommended by the Reviewing Committee.
The Library initiated the Extension Lectures series during the year and eminent authorities, delivered lectures on different topics.
The Library has published Bibliographies and Catalogues of its holdings with a view to disseminating information.
Exhibitions The holding of Exhibitions of books and photographs on different important occasions during the year under review was a common feature of the Library. The Library organised the following exhibitions during the year under review:
(1) Exhibition in connection with "Thomas Mann Cen- tenary" was held on 21-4-75.
(2) Exhibition in connection with "Saratchandra Chattopadhyaya Centenary" was held on 17-9-75.
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(3) Exhibition in connection with the auspicious occasion, of "Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Birth Centenary" was held on 31-10-75.
Visitors (1) Mr. Moonindra Varma, Ministry of Education, Mauritius.
(2) Mr. F. Posthuma Rossudam, Educationist, Holland.
(3) Prof. M. Lidia Kilivkshtis, Professor of Urdu and Hindi languages, International Relations Institute.
(4) Mrs. Alla Niktima, Teacher of Russian Language.
(5) Hon'ble Ali Yawar Jung, Governor of Maharashtra.
(6) The German Television Team.
(7) A Delegation of American Teachers from the Univer- sity of Columbia.
(8) Dr. Gerald Duverdier, Bibliothecaire au College of France.
(9) A Delegation of Parliament Commonwealth Confer- ence.
(10) Miss F. Patault, the Librarian of a French Library.
(11) Dr. Peter Lazar, Director General, Hungarian Central Technical Library and Documentation Centre, Budapest, Hungary.
The activities of the Library showed an improved trend in their services to the Reading public.
Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, Patna The Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library, Patna is an institution of National importance,, containing precious manuscripts and important printed books in oriental languages especially in Arabic and Persian languages. It has a world-wide reputation for its unique collection of manuscripts in Arabic and Persian languages specimen of calligraphy and paintings. Therefore, the library's main activities are to preserve and enlarge the rare collection, and provide research facilities to scholars and institutions.
During the year the library has acquired 166 manuscripts and 600 printed books. The Library hopes to acquire double the number by the end of the year. Fifty odd micro-films of the manuscripts of the India Office Library, London were received in the Library.