Offering a compelling if not always coherent snapshot of India’s last 5000 years, this museum is not overwhelmingly large, but full of splendours. Exhibits include rare relics from the Harappan Civilisation, Buddha’s 4th to 5th century BC effects, antiquities from the Silk Route, exquisite miniature paintings (look out for the hand-painted playing cards), woodcarvings, textiles, statues, musical instruments, and an armoury with gruesomely practical weapons and a suit of armour for an elephant.
Allow at least two hours, preferably half a day. Bring identification to obtain an audio guide (worthwhile as labelling is minimal).
Next door is the Archaeological Survey of India which stocks publications about India’s main archaeological sites.
