At 195, Indian Museum strikes all the right notes, from mayuri veena to nagara

Kolkata: From the famous figurine of a dancing girl found at the remains of Mahenjodaro, to the legendry Tansen, music goes a long way in developing the rich culture of our country.
An exhibition on ‘Indian Musical Instruments through the Ages’ was, therefore, a natural choice to commemorate the 195th anniversary of the Indian Museum.
From common instruments to more complicated ones like mayuri veena, which dates back to the 19th century, the exhibits are a treat for city’s music enthusiasts.
While the 19th century Baya designed out of wood and parchment, the 18th century Nagara and the 19th century horn from Madras have find pride of place, percussion instruments like drums, tambourine, kettle drum and wind instruments like flute and conch-shells are also hard to miss at the exhibition.
Other interesting exhibits include, a 16th century Persian painting of a nautch party at Mohammad Bin Tughlaq’s palace and an art work depicting a picnic scene.
Prof Barun De, member, Board of Trustees, Indian Museum, said: “People visit Indian Museum to expand their knowledge about the country’s heritage. I don’t think that old sculptures like that of Kanishka can be seen anywhere else.” According to Henrietta Lidchi, Keeper of World Cultures, National Museums of Scotland, there is a deep connection between Kolkata and Scotland.