Mughals’ Treasury: Like stepping into a bank vault

Posted by noelbynature under Exhibitions, Museums/Heritage Galleries
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Stepping into the special exhibition hall at the Asian Civilisations Museum today and you might feel like you’ve stepped into a bank vault. The latest exhibition at the ACM features gold, gems and precious stone, all part of the aptly-named Treasury of the World exhibition featuring the rich collections from the Mughal empire.

Who are the Mughals? Up until this exhibition, I had no idea who they were save for the name. But you’ve probably seen an example of Mughal architecture at one time or another - the Taj Mahal! The Mughal Empire ruled over most of India between 1526 and 1857. It’s notable that the rulers were Islamic but they ruled over a territory that was predominantly Hindu. But under Mughal leadership, India grew to be an economic superpower - between the late 16th and early 17th century, India controlled as much as a quarter of the world economy!

Many of the exhibits from the aptly-named Treasury of the World are on loan from the al-Sabah Collection in Kuwait, which were collected by Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah and Sheikha Hussah Sabah al-Salim and they were chosen to showcase their beauty and as well as their technical intricacy.

Take this pendant in the shape of a bird, for example. This pendant is set with rubies, emeralds, diamonds, rock crystal and pearls. Can you make out all five kinds of gems?

A Jewelled Pendant set with five different types of precious stones

This Katar looks like something straight out of Star Trek or something that was on a list in Dungeons & Dragons. To see the real thing, especially one as finely made as this reminds you that the blade is as beautiful as it is deadly. Definitely not something you want to see the business end of.

An intricate Katar, or Indian punching-sword

Of course, it’s not all blades and pointy objects too. The Treasury of the world if quite kid-friendly too, with activity stations like a stamping station so that you can bring back a souvenir with a stamped design, and a turban station where you can take photographs with many different coloured turbans.

Pick a turban, take a photo!

This German family was spending a quiet morning in the Treasury of the World.

The highlight of the exhibition is the finely-inscribed gemstones, all engraved with royal inscriptions. This ruby-red spinel is inscribed with the names of the Timurid, Safavid and Mughal rulers ranging from th 15th to 18th centuries.

A Balas Ruby inscribed with the names of Timurid, Safavid and Mughal Rulers.

These treasures are just a peek into what you can see at the Treasury of the World. The Jewelled Arts of India will be exhibited at the Asian Civilisations Museum from now until 27 June 2010 - so why not make a trip down this weekend? For more information click here.

Special thanks to Binjin @ ACM for permission to take photographs at the exhibition gallery.