The CSMVS - previously called the Prince of Wales museum, was impressive looking and was absolutely looking forward to visiting it. However, I reached it a little earlier than planned and it was not even open. So waited alongside a few others at the gate till the official opening time arrived.
Reading in the web, I was looking forward to seeing the artifacts from Harappa and the rest of the Indus valley civilization. There were a couple of other surprises made the day very fulfilling.
On entering, the first thing I noticed is this grandfather clock with Tamil numerals. I mean, it was a pleasant surprise. However, other than the fact that it was from the Tata collection, there is nothing on who owned it and how it happened to have Tamil numerals.
The entire sculpture gallery in the ground floor was interesting to go through and while the usual Chola bronzes (replicas) and the architecture of South India was there, I was fascinated by the Gandhara-style heads - most of them the Buddhist site of Mirpur Khas (currently in Pakistan). These heads have a sense of modernity to it - very much influenced by the Greek culture of that area and very difficult to get rid of the face once you've seen it.
Walking through the usual periods of Indian sculptures, the surprise was finding an Asokan edict in display. This is first Asokan edict I've seen (though I've seen the Iron pillar, I never looked for the edict at that time!) - so it was great fun to read Asoka commanding as 'Devanampiyadasi' and comparing the letters of the Asokan brahmi to locate the same. That alone was worth the entire visit.
After going through a somewhat strange exhibit on the wall sculptures from Assyria, it was a little disappointing to see the displays on Harappan civilization. Most of the ones are replicas and I was so looking forward to seeing some of those incredible seals and all I could see were replicas. That was disappointing.
The first floor exhibits were more sculptures, arms and armaments, textiles and a special exhibition on the peoples of India in 19th century - which were alright. However there were two sculptures which basically were lovely and difficult to take the eyes off.
The first one is this Ivory carving from the 'Krishna' exhibits. This is Krishna taking a thorn from Radha's feet. This is a more recent one but was exquisite and Krishna was looking full of love and sincerity while Radha seems a little embarrassed.
This one is in porcelain and I've never seen a sculpture or in any other form a representation of Ram and Sita like this. Sita is all at ease and is casually looking at Ram - who looks a little bewildered at this show of playfulness and love from Sita. Such a beautiful piece of work - more surprised that this was made in Germany.
The highlight of the museum was the second floor collections of art from Sir Ratan Tata and Sir Dorab Tata - both these galleries were absolutely fabulous to spend time on.
It was a little surprising to see the Lincoln there - but was intrigued and fascinated by the family portraits of the Tatas. The ladies are stylish and captivating.
And why is she looking sad?
That ended the visit and the walk back to the station was equally rewarding re-looking at the buildings and deciding to come back again to see all that I've missed.
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| CSMVS |
On entering, the first thing I noticed is this grandfather clock with Tamil numerals. I mean, it was a pleasant surprise. However, other than the fact that it was from the Tata collection, there is nothing on who owned it and how it happened to have Tamil numerals.
The first floor exhibits were more sculptures, arms and armaments, textiles and a special exhibition on the peoples of India in 19th century - which were alright. However there were two sculptures which basically were lovely and difficult to take the eyes off.
And why is she looking sad?
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