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Recently I visited the National Museum of India to see the scintillating jewellery collection from the royal house of the Nizams of Hyderabad. The sparkle has not left my eyes since then 😀 ❤
The public have an opportunity to gush over the exquisite heirloom at the exhibition titled ‘Jewels of India: The Nizam’s Jewellery Collection’.
An opulent collection of सरपेच or aigrette, बाजूबंद or armlets, necklaces, toe & finger rings, कमरबंद or cummerbund, पाजेब or anklets, दस्तबंद or bracelets, bangles, buttons & cuff links and much more worn by the Nizams of Hyderabad, their wives, children, grandchildren………
The collection is made from the best of Golconda diamonds, Colombian emeralds, Burmese rubies, pearls from Basra & Mannar and many other precious jewels from around the world.. Every piece that you see is a salute to the craftsmanship!
I was pretty enchanted by the anklets, their sheer size and grandiosity. ……….and wait there’s some more designs to drool over ladies ❤ The exquisiteness of these anklets leaves one speechless.
Each ornament is a brilliant work of art. India’s rich heritage simply leaves you in awe! The jewels are all heirlooms that belong to the Asaf Jahi dynasty (from the early 18th to early 20th century). The magnificent collection was acquired by the Indian government in 1995, for just 218 crore, after nearly two decades of negotiations with the Nizam lineage then.
The showstopper was the brilliant 185 carat Jacob Diamond. An interesting story about it is that the Nizam used it as a paperweight!!!
The show stopper, The Jacob Diamond
If you have not been there as yet please do so by the 5th of May 2019. There is a very small entry fee and you are given 30 mins to admire them. You are not allowed to carry anything except your mobile and cash. Ladies ‘wallet’ is not allowed and you can use your mobile to click without flash and but no videography.
You can take a guide too who will give some in-depth insight of the treasure. The description of the jewellery pieces are in Persian but with a slight initial hiccup you will be able to relate. There are framed glossary that ease one’s understanding. Sharing a couple of them (the photos are not very clear with reflections and height they were placed at but nevertheless serve their purpose).
Weekend is around the corner …….. its a good time to get bedazzled!
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HAPPY TRAVELLING!
Monika Ohson | TravelerInMe