Introduction

Located in Lal Mandi, on the left bank of the river Jhelum, the Shri Pratap Singh Museum dates back to the end of the nineteenth century. Named after Maharaja Pratap Singh of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, this was created at the behest of Raja Amar Singh, the ruler’s younger brother and a European scholar, Captain S.H. Godmerry. The Museum was intended to house exhibits and artifacts from Jammu, Kashmir, Baltistan and Gilgit – and down the decades, this brief has been carried out with success. Sir John Marshal, Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India, superintended the initial establishment and this was then handed over to Mr. Blerjee, the Accountant General of the State who served as first head of the Institution.

The initial collection of the Museum was created out of the state's, 'Tosha Khana', treasury and had shawls and armory. Over the years, the Museum has added significantly to its collection and has developed a style of display that combines style, period and material. Today, the broad heads under which the collection is displayed are - numismatics, manuscripts, miniature paintings, weapons, utensils, musical instruments, furniture and decorative artifacts, textiles, carpets, leather-ware and grass and willow work. Sculptures, tiles and other artifacts excavated from various archaeological sites in the state various parts form a part of the display as do items of natural history and stuffed birds and animals.

An idea of the Museum's collection may be had from the fact that over two hundred textile items are on display and have 'jamawar', 'gabbas' and 'rumals' that date back to 1752 and the 'Afghan period'. One exemplary item is the embroidered map of Srinagar that was prepared during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The section with decorative arts and crafts is considered as the Museum's core collection and this has over eight-hundred objects that have been classified into twenty-one sub-sections based on the materials used and this ranges from grass to enameled items.

Special Attributes

An excellent collection of artifacts of various description collected from different parts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative but comfortable

Connectivity

Taxis, buses and auto-rickshaws

Enjoyed by

History, archeology, natural-history, culture and general interest

Exposure

None, you'll be indoors

Avoidable Season

None as such

Facilities

Parking, restaurants etc. at hand

Things Not Allowed

No weapons of any description. Regulations on cameras and mobiles change from time to time

Tip

Some displays, like the embroideries and manuscripts are unique

Type of site

Museum