On August 8, 2024, the Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, inaugurated the new Textile Gallery at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy. This event was part of the ‘100 Days program’ for FY 2024-25, an initiative aimed at preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including:
- Shri Pabitra Margherita, Hon’ble State Minister for Textiles
- Ms. Rachna Shah, Secretary (Textiles)
- Ms. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
- Mr. V.P. Thakur and Mr. Virendra Kumar, Regional Director (Handicrafts)
Significance of the Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy
The Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy is renowned for its role in preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage. It is known as an iconic Living Museum of Cultural Heritage & Traditional Handicrafts & Handlooms, housing a collection of 28,000 handmade artifacts that showcase India’s artisanal legacy.
Details of the New Textile Gallery
Funding and Space:
- The new Textile Gallery was funded by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
- The gallery spans approximately 1650 square meters on the museum’s first floor and features 5,778 textile artifacts.
Design and Features:
- The gallery integrates state-of-the-art display systems, advanced lighting solutions, and interactive multimedia elements.
- It includes block-printed and dye-printed textiles, ikats, brocades, embroideries, and resist-dyed fabrics, each with distinct regional aesthetics.
- The gallery also highlights the influence of colonialism and international exchanges, showcasing modern innovations alongside traditional designs.
Exhibits and Display:
- Around 150 objects are displayed in varied styles and techniques, using specially designed LED lighting with sensors and dimmers.
- The display includes podiums, platforms, and toughened glass showcases, elegantly presenting apparel and other museum objects like antique doors, desks, and beds.
Curation and Collaboration:
- The curation team, led by Sunil Sethi and Dr. Jyotindra Jain, selected approximately 2,600 items for display.
- The gallery features sections like Kalamkari, Embroideries, Brocaded Fabrics, Block Prints, Resist Dyed Fabrics, Sarees, Weaves of India, and Works by Vishwakarma Artisans.
Future Plans and Initiatives
Changing Exhibits:
- An area has been designated for changing exhibits to showcase modern transformations of traditional textiles and to hold live demonstrations and shows.
Educational Campaigns:
- The inauguration marks the beginning of initiatives such as the “Know Your Weaves” campaign, aimed at educating students about traditional Indian handlooms.
National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy
Located at Pragati Maidan, the museum is a living museum where tradition and modernity intertwine. It houses over 30,000 rare and distinctive pieces reflecting the continuing tradition of Indian craftsmanship. The museum also features a village complex with 15 structures representing different states of India and several traditional craftsmen in residence.
Conclusion
The new Textile Gallery at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy is a significant milestone in preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage. The event marks the start of various initiatives aimed at educating the public about the country’s rich textile traditions. With new designs showcased every three months, the gallery promises to remain a dynamic and inspiring space for all visitors, celebrating the artistry and heritage of Indian textiles.
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