Jammu and Kashmir Museums

Apart from the majestic mountains draped in a pearly white snow and the green carpeted valleys and meadows adorned with the colors of the seasonal blooms, the cultural extravaganzas of Jammu and Kashmir also deserve special mention. The Jammu and Kashmir museums and art galleries are a wonderful example of the state's assorted platter of cultural potpourri.

The two premier Jammu and Kashmir museums house a priceless collection of rare artifacts and miniature paintings from the Pahari school that vividly illustrate the magnum opus of the state's ancient artists. The Shri Pratap Singh (SPS) Museum is possibly the sole museum in the country that boasts of a fantastic collection of the archetypal Kashmiri stone sculptures of the revered deities that date back to the era spanning between 7th and 11th centuries.

Amar Mahal Palace Museum is one of the most important centers of culture in the state whose very architecture spellbinds tourists. The museum, resplendent in its vibrant red hue stands tall amidst the panoramic vistas of the majestic Shivalik ranges fringing the valley and the rippling Tawi River that meanders through the valley. The erstwhile palace of Raja Amar Singh currently serves as the Amar Mahal Palace Museum whose claim to fame is the imperial golden throne and the gigantic 120 kg gold sofa embellished by the ornate carvings of golden lions.

Dogra Art Museum is another eminent museum that is the proud owner of over 800 invaluable paintings from different schools like Kangra, Basoli and Jammu. Other antiques like a gold plated bow belonging to the legendary Shah Jehan and ancient manuscripts also find pride of place in the museum's showcases.

For further information on the Jammu and Kashmir Museums, navigate to any of the following links:

• Amar Mahal Palace Museum
• Dogra Art Museum

Last Updated on 8/29/2011