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The Salar Jung Museum situated in the city of Hyderabad in the state of Andhra Pradesh is an Institution of National Importance, as declared by the Indian Parliament. It is a warehouse of the artistic attainments of the varied European, Asian and Far Eastern countries of the world.
Mr Yusuf Ali Khan, popularly known as Salar Jung III collected the major items of the museum. He also inherited some of the valuable items from his father Nawab Mir Laiq Khan Salar Jung II and his grand father Nawab Mir Turab Ali Khan, Sir Salar Jung I.
Established, better to say re-established in the year 1968, the Salar Jung Museum embodies a collection of rare items. Previously, the museum was set up in Diwan Devdi.
The collection in the museum includes manuscripts including the illuminated Qurans and calligraphed classics. There is also an outstanding collection of encrusted spice boxes, mirror backs, huqqas, archery rings, etc. The carpet section in the gallery contains the velvety metal thread carpets of Kashan, the Tree of life carpets from Kirman, the multi medallion and arabesque carpets of North Persia and others from Shiraz, Isfahan and Herrat.
The art galleries include, raga-raginis in Deccan style, miniatures in Mewar, Arwar, Jaipur and Mughal styles: modern works from Chugatai, D P Rai Choudary, Tagore and Sharada Ukil; western master pieces from landseer, Watts, Leighton, Cooper, landscapes by Turner and Constable; copies of Grand master's works like Reubens, Raphel and Titan.
The most interesting place in the Salar Jung Museum is the arms section. It includes bejeweled hits of swords and daggers, handles of jade, fishbone and ivory ornamented daggers with emeralds, diamonds, and rubies.
Another place of interest is the Clock room. It has a collection of more than 300 clocks, specially a musical clock sold by Cook and Kelvy of England. There is a vast collection of printed books on various subjects. Interested scholars can also go through a rich collection of thousands of manuscripts in Persian, Arabic and Urdu languages.
Apart from these, there are also Children's section, Furniture sections and various other sections.
Interested people can visit the Salar Jung Museum of Hyderabad from 10 o'clock in the morning to 5 o'clock in the evening except Friday. It will be better to say that except a tour at the Salar Jung Museum, the sightseeing in Hyderabad will remain unfinished.
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