A chronological exhibition of artefacts and works of art encapsulating the evolution of Indian civilization since antiquity and its interconnectedness with the outside world will be held here at the National Museum from Saturday.
'India and the World: A History in Nine Stories' will bring insights into two million years of history through over 200 objects and works of art from the collections of the British Museum, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), National Museum, and around 20 museums and private collections across India.
Organised in association with the culture ministry, the two-month long exhibition will be inaugurated by union culture minister Mahesh Sharma.
Beginning with the Indus Valley civilisation and coming down to the present, the artefacts range from stone sculptures, terracotta, coins, tools, inscriptions and manuscripts to textiles, jewellery, Mughal miniatures and contemporary paintings, demonstrating the common threads of human history.
Apart from the linear and chronological depiction of Indian civilisation, the exhibition also explores ideas across time periods, highlighting the strong connections India has shared historically with the rest of the world.
The exhibition is spread over nine sections, each representing a pivotal moment in history: Shared Beginnings (1,700,000 years ago to 2000 BC), First Cities (3000-1000 BC), Empire (600 BC - AD 200), State and Faith (AD 100-750), Picturing the Divine (AD 200-1500), Indian Ocean Traders (AD 200-1650), Court Cultures (AD 1500-1800), Quest for Freedom (1800-Present), and Time Unbound.
Overall, there are 104 important works of art from the Indian subcontinent in dialogue with 124 iconic pieces from the British Museum.
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"This is a phenomenal exhibition for the sheer number of artefacts, the profoundness of concept and the unprecedented extensive collaboration of Indian museums and private collections with the British Museum, London. It truly offers a brilliant exposition on the splendid Indian civilisation and its impact on the global civilizations of the yore," B R Mani, director general, National Museum, said.
The exhibition has been curated by Jeremy David Hill and Beatriz Cifuentes Feliciano, from the British Museum; Naman P Ahuja, Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi and his curatorial assistant, Avani Sood.
The "first of its kind project" will provide the public with a new perspective on Indian history in relation with the global cultures and institutions.
"The wider, global context of these moments is suggested by objects from the British Museum, including a head of the Emperor Hadrian, one of the most famous Roman emperors, and the contemporary Throne of Weapons from Mozambique which comments on globalisation and empire but is ultimately a symbol of reconciliation and peace," Hartwig Fischer, director, British Museum, said.
The exhibition, before coming to Delhi, was held at CSMVS in Mumbai where it was seen by over 200,000 visitors.
The show will conclude on June 30.