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3K views5 pages

Short Notes

Uploaded by

animeshkharghoria
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Unit 1: Introduction to Museum and Museology

Definition and Meaning of Museum and Museology

1. The term "museum" is derived from the Greek word mouseion, referring to "the
seat of the muses." Historically, it was a place dedicated to the muses, who were
the goddesses of inspiration for literature, arts, and science.

2. Today, museums are defined as institutions that collect, conserve, and exhibit
objects of historical, cultural, and scientific importance. Globally, there are over
95,000 museums, with UNESCO estimating that museums welcome more than 1
billion visitors annually.

3. Museology refers to the study of museums and their role in society. It


encompasses theories, principles, and practices related to museum operations, such
as collection management, curation, and education.

4. In recent years, more than 5,000 publications and research studies have focused on
museology and its evolving nature.Museums and museology are integral to
cultural heritage management, offering insights into the past while fostering public
education and engagement.

History of Museums in India

1. Ancient India: The concept of preserving cultural and historical artifacts dates
back to ancient India. Temples, monasteries, and religious institutions often served
as repositories for art and relics.During Emperor Ashoka's reign (273–232 BCE),
over 84,000 stupas were constructed to preserve Buddhist relics, showcasing the
early practice of cultural preservation.

2. Colonial Era: The modern museum system in India began during British colonial
rule. The Indian Museum in Kolkata, established in 1814, is the oldest museum in
the country and houses over 100,000 artifacts, including the famous Bharhut
Stupa. By the early 20th century, India had approximately 50 museums, including
the Victoria Memorial (1921) and the Prince of Wales Museum (1922, now
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya).

3. Post-Independence: After India gained independence in 1947, the focus shifted to


nationalizing museums and creating institutions that reflected India's rich cultural
diversity. The establishment of the National Museum in Delhi in 1949 marked a
significant milestone.

4. By 2020, India had over 1,000 museums, including specialized institutions like the
Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, which houses over 43,000 artifacts, and the
Tribal Museum in Bhopal.

Introduction to New Museology

Definition: New Museology is a movement that redefines the role of museums,


emphasizing their social and cultural responsibilities over mere collection and display.
This approach advocates for inclusivity, public engagement, and sustainability in museum
practices.
Key Principles of Museology are as follows

1. Public Engagement: Museums should actively involve communities in their


operations and exhibitions, making them relevant to the public's needs and
interests.
2. Inclusivity: Exhibits should represent diverse cultures, perspectives, and voices,
ensuring equitable representation. For example, the tribal museums in India
display artifacts from over 700 tribal communities.
3. Sustainability: Museums must adopt eco-friendly practices and promote cultural
sustainability through their programs. A 2019 report by the International Council
of Museums (ICOM) highlighted that 60% of museums worldwide are adopting
sustainable practices.

Examples: Open-air museums and community-driven exhibits are notable


examples of New Museology. These museums prioritize storytelling and
interaction over static displays. For instance, the Shreyas Folk Museum in
Ahmedabad features over 3,000 folk art pieces, emphasizing the stories behind the
artifacts.
Unit 2: Functions and Types of Museums

1. Collection: The primary function of a museum is to collect objects of cultural,


historical, and scientific significance. These collections are often acquired through
donations, excavations, purchases, or exchanges. For instance, the National
Museum in Delhi houses artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization (2600–1900
BCE), with its collection exceeding 200,000 objects.

2. Documentation: Proper documentation is essential for managing museum


collections. It involves creating detailed records of each object, including its
origin, history, and condition. Modern museums use digital tools and software like
The Museum System (TMS) for efficient cataloging and accessibility.

Over 80% of major museums globally have adopted digital cataloging systems,
significantly improving access and transparency. Photographic documentation is
also crucial for preserving visual records of artifacts.

3. Preventive Conservation: Preventive conservation focuses on maintaining the


physical condition of artifacts. This includes controlling environmental factors
such as temperature, humidity, and light to prevent deterioration.
Museums typically maintain a temperature range of 18–22°C and relative
humidity between 45–55%. Pest management and proper storage techniques are
also vital components of this process.

4. Exhibition: Museums are known for their exhibitions, which are designed to
educate and inspire visitors. Exhibitions can be permanent, temporary, or
traveling. A recent study indicated that interactive exhibitions increase visitor
engagement by 40%.

They often incorporate elements like touch screens or virtual reality to enhance
visitor interaction. For example, science museums often feature hands-on exhibits
that allow visitors to explore scientific concepts interactively.
Types of Museums

1. Art Museums: Art museums focus on visual art, including paintings, sculptures,
and photographs. The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Delhi,
established in 1954, is a prominent example, showcasing over 17,000 works by
Indian and international artists.

2. History Museums: These museums preserve and exhibit objects related to


historical events, personalities, and periods. The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata,
inaugurated in 1921, receives over 3 million visitors annually and highlights
India's colonial past.

3. Science Museums: Science museums aim to make science accessible and


engaging for the public. They feature exhibits on topics like astronomy, biology,
and technology. The Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai, established in 1985,
attracts over 700,000 visitors each year, making it one of the most popular science
museums in India.

4. Specialized Museums: Specialized museums focus on specific themes or topics.


Examples include tribal museums that celebrate indigenous cultures and open-air
museums that recreate historical settings. The Tribal Museum in Bhopal, opened
in 2013, highlights the traditions of Madhya Pradesh’s tribal communities and
showcases over 10,000 artifacts.

5. Emerging Categories: With advancements in technology, digital and


eco-museums have gained popularity. Digital museums offer virtual tours and
interactive experiences, making cultural heritage accessible to a global audience.

The Smithsonian Institution reported a 150% increase in virtual visitors during


2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eco-museums emphasize environmental
conservation and sustainable practices, aligning with the principles of New
Museology.
Museums Based on Geographical Size

1. National Museums: National museums are established at the country level and
represent the heritage of an entire nation. They often house significant collections
of art, history, and culture.

The National Museum in Delhi, established in 1949, spans over 30 galleries and
holds more than 200,000 artifacts, including items from the Indus Valley
Civilization and Mughal Empire.

2. State Museums: State museums operate at the state level and focus on preserving
the heritage and culture specific to the region. For example, the Odisha State
Museum in Bhubaneswar, founded in 1932, contains rare palm-leaf manuscripts,
tribal art, and Buddhist relics from the region. Most Indian states maintain at least
one major state museum, reflecting the diverse cultures within the country.

3. Regional Museums: Regional museums focus on local history, culture, and


traditions within a specific geographical area. These museums often highlight
community-specific artifacts and practices. An example is the Maharaja Fateh
Singh Museum in Vadodara, which features royal collections and local art forms
specific to the region of Gujarat.

4. Community Museums: These are smaller, often community-driven museums that


preserve and promote the cultural heritage of a particular community or group.
Tribal museums, such as the one in Ranchi, Jharkhand, focus on showcasing the
unique traditions, artifacts, and stories of indigenous tribes.

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