Salar Jung Museum

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The collection originated from three generations of the Salar Jung family, with Salar Jung III contributing the vast majority of the items.

2. 2

   The 19th-century British musical clock contains an internal mechanism that causes a toy figure to strike a gong every hour.

3. 3

   The Veiled Rebecca is one of four identical marble statues created by Italian sculptor Giovanni Maria Benzoni.

4. 4

   The museum houses a rare copy of the Quran inscribed in gold and silver, alongside ancient Arabic manuscripts.

5. 5

   The collection includes the personal belongings of Mughal Emperors, such as Aurangzeb’s sword and daggers belonging to Shah Jahan.

6. 6

   The museum was moved to its current purpose-built location on the southern bank of the Musi River in 1968.

7. 7

   It is designated as an 'Institution of National Importance' by the Parliament of India.

8. 8

   The museum's holdings include over 43,000 art objects and 50,000 books and manuscripts.

Overview

The Salar Jung Museum is one of the largest one-man collections of antiques in the world, primarily curated by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, known as Salar Jung III. It houses an extensive assemblage of artifacts from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, spanning from the 2nd century BCE to the early 20th century. The collection is divided into several galleries, including the Indian Art, Middle Eastern, Far Eastern, and European sections. Notable displays feature an extensive array of ivory carvings, jade, miniature paintings, and antique weaponry. The museum's most famous exhibit is the Veiled Rebecca, a marble sculpture by Giovanni Maria Benzoni. Other highlights include a mechanical musical clock from the 19th century and a wide range of rare manuscripts and textiles. The museum is located in the historic Darulshifa neighborhood of Hyderabad.

Insider tips

• Prioritize the clock room, as crowds gather just before the hourly chime.

• Use the audio guide to better understand the provenance of the vast, eclectic collection.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the museum spans three floors with extensive corridors.