Indian Museums: the sorry state of affairs

 By Avishek Ganguly

Indian museums are in a sorry state and need immediate attention and renovation. Well, this shocking fact has been revealed in a recently published report by the UNESCO on the eight national museums across the country. A survey made by volunteers and experts of the School of Planning& Architecture, the Delhi Tour Guides and the Arts & Aesthetics Departments of JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia Universities in the national museums in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata has brought out some disturbing facts which are enough to make every Indian ashamed.


In the first phase the team had surveyed national museums like National Museum, the Red Fort Museum and the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi, the Victoria Memorial Museum and Indian National Museum in Kolkata and the Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai. Their verdict: the museums do not even have the minimum amenities required to be of international standards. In the next phase, some other museums like the Archaeological Museum at Patna, Sarnath Museum, Nehru Museum of Science and Technology and some others will be surveyed. However, considering the deteriorating state of the national museums, one can easily assume the condition of the ones located in smaller cities.


Nevertheless, the results do not come as a startling fact. If you happen to be in any museums of India, you are bound to see ill maintained artifacts, next to nil security arrangements, lack of minimum civic amenities, no signage on the displayed items- the list goes on. Being a citizen of Kolkata, I have visited the Indian National Museum a number of times and was disappointed, rather annoyed, with the condition there. In an instance, I once saw a part of a bronze statue belonging to the Maurya dynasty was lying in bits and pieces. I immediately went to the curator to inform about the incident, but to my utter disappointment, the authorities were completely reluctant to look into the matter. Such is that state of affairs in our Indian museums.


In 2009, the government announced a 14 point agenda meant towards renovation and reformation of Indian museums, but as one can understand, nothing has been done till date. The center, it seems has completely turned a blind eye to the agenda and if such things continue, most of our precious artifacts and relics will either be stolen or turn to rubble.


Renowned historians and archeologists too are concerned about the issue. According to Naman Ahuja, renowned historian and former curator of the British Museum, the UNESCO report is very unfortunate and should be an eye opener for authorities who have neglected our rich heritage and culture. He says that a sea change is needed in the overall system, which should aim at creating awareness from the basic level. For example, instead of recruiting people through some baseless exams like UPSC, the initiative should be bring in those who are really interested in Indian history, tradition and culture. Also active participation of the youth is required (an aspect which the government has never given a thought).


Inviting the private sector for the upkeep of museums can also be a feasible option. Take the contemporary art galleries, they are so well maintained. The same can also be done for our museums if the private sector is involved. Red tapism is virtually absent and people are professional there.

The UNESCO report has already done a great deal in bringing down India’s ranks in the international museum platform. When so much stress is being given on improving tourism in the country, this will indeed turn to be a hurdle. It’s high time that our administrators wake up from slumber and do something to preserve our rich heritage.