Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay

Date of Visit - 5th Feb
(Sunday - lots of pre-montessary school children making a lot of noise. Lot of foreigners too. Me and My friend Yuvraj probably the only representatives of Mumbai in 30-35 age group)

The Museum is housed in a remarkable structure and its environs are surprisingly well maintained.

 

 The museum houses many collections of the Tata Family

The sculpture gallery is quiet special, providing a glimpse into Indian religion, tradition and history.

Artefacts are collected from all over India. Seeing quiet a few from my native place Chaul, was special. The descriptions are also very illustrative and captivating.

 

Lord Garuda in a unique pose 

The Durga figurine on the right (above) is made of bark of a tree Sholapith - simply amazing.

There is a separate section which captures art, sculpture and history of Jainism in India.

The birds and animals section.

 This was an interesting one, this creature (saw fish) washed up onto Mumbai shores around 1930s. It would be so nice if it could make some regular visits now (just to terrorise a few 😊 )

There are also sections for coins, weapons, clothes which make you walk more even after those first 3 hours after which your feet have started feeling the pain.

If you wanted some souveneirs

Did you notice the ubiquitous Indian blessing for the bride?

Coinage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj - Shivrai Hon

The one on right spells Shri Raja Shiv, the one on the left (reverse) spells Chhatrapati.

Jai Shivaji!!

And about these other coins (notice the part that satavahana dynasty mention mothers clan name with rulers name - the only one)





Just in case the ladies get bored

And then there was Gandhi and Shakespeare (beat that !!)

Kanu Gandhi's Photo Exhibition

The great english bard