Sanskriti Museum of Indian Terracotta
& Sanskriti Museum of Everyday Art
About couples of miles from Qutab Minar complex
in Qutab-Mehrauli area opposite Ayanagar lies the two beautiful
museums of Sanskriti Kendra- Sanskriti Museum of Indian Terracotta
& Sanskriti Museum of Everyday Art. Both the museums are
integral part of Sanskriti Kendra's continuous efforts for the
'preservation and presentation of indigenous heritage, craftsmanship,
aesthetic functionality and cultural practices'.
Set away from the hustle and bustle of the city
amidst green landscaped gardens of Sanskriti Kendra, this museum
is a wonderful place in the region to view the traditional terracotta
art. The terracotta is an important functional art in India
and is said to be the first creative expression of any civilization.
In Indian sub-continent, in almost every civilization, terracotta
art occupied an important place and has been used throughout
history to give vent to creative expressions for sculpture,
pottery and useful things like roof shingles. Religious sentiments
were too expressed through this form of art in much ancient
as well as modern civilizations resulting in attractive figurines
and pieces of arts.
The museum has over 1500 exquisite exhibits
made up of terracotta on display. Made by expert craft persons
and artisans from all over the country in the museum, it has
a fine collection of polished clay pots, decorative tiles, mythological
figures, relief panels, and animals. A special gallery has also
been set up to throw light on the history of the ancient tradition
of terracotta art. In its effort to revive and glorify this
form of art, the museum invites famous terracotta artists from
all over the country to present their art and holds creative
workshops.
With an innovative concept to highlight simple
Indian household objects of everyday life that reflects fine
craftsmanship and creativity and centuries of collective wisdom,
Sanskriti Museum of Everyday Art was established in 1984. It
is an intriguing museum having a collection of around 2000 objects
categorized into life cycle of a human being.
Dating back to a couple of century, these souvenirs
and objects are related to the everyday life, traditions and
customs of rural as well as modern India. Made by master craftsmen
with aesthetic creativity from all over the country, the collection
of the museum includes vessels, religious objects, tribal idols,
jars, weights and measures, kitchen accessories, boxes, combs,
mirrors, brass markers, locks and latches, toys and women's
toiletries. Among the simple yet attractive objects do look
for a tiny animal-shaped sculpture packed with numerous things
used by ladies for personal adornment.
Though a small museum yet it very convincingly
conveys that every facet of Indian life is full of creativity,
culture and art.
Sanskriti Museum also has a textile museum with
a good collection of Indian textiles from 19th century that
includes works of art like kalamkari, brocades, gota work, patola,
bandhani and many more. The museum aims to promote as well as
preserve the rich and glorious textile tradition of India.
