Telangana State Archaeology Museum, earlier called as Hyderabad Museum / AP State Archeology Museum is located at the Hyderabad’s Public Garden. It is one of the oldest museums not just of Hyderabad but is among the best in South India. The site on which the museum has been build was explored by the known archaeologist Henry Cousens in the 19th century.
This museum is the result of last Nizam’s efforts, to preserve the rich history and heritage of the state and country in spite of the British Rule. He had also created Department of Archaeology in 1915 for the same purpose, which conducted many excavations at historical sites and preservations of historically significant monuments. It is consisted of various ancient items which were excavated during the years around 1940. This was done under the guidance of the then Nizams of Hyderabad.
Telangana State Archaeology Museum boasts of unique kind of collections. One such is the imitations of Ajanta Paintings. This place is the only museum in possession of these. Along with this, there are many galleries in the Museum depicting traces from the bygone era. There is a gallery on bronze artefacts, Armors, Numismatics, stone sculptures, manuscripts, modern paintings, textiles, etc. It also houses a separate gallery on Buddhist sculptures as well. There is also an extensive collection on Hindu sculptures belonging to Chalukyan period and Vijayanagara period.
Along with all exquisite artifacts, this museum also boasts of an Egyptian Mummy of the daughter of the sixth pharaoh of Egypt. It is said that it was bought by son-in-law of VI Nizam Mahbub Ali Khan for 1000 pounds. The seventh Nizam of Hyderabad later donated to Nizam Mir Osma Ali Khan. A copy of Holy Quran with the seal from Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor has also been kept here.
Not only rich collection, Hyderabad Museum / Telangana State Archaeology Museum attracts you with its marvelous architecture as well. It has been built in the Indo-Saracenic style and boasts of artistically designed interiors and a magnificent exterior.
Hyderabad Museum / Telangana State Archaeology Museum timings are from 10.30 am to 5 pm. It opens throughout the week except on Fridays or major public holidays.
