A museum where royal legacies will come alive

Blitz Bureau

NEW DELHI: THE Museum of the Royal Kingdoms of India – the foundation stone of which was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas – will serve as a national repository celebrating India’s royal heritage with galleries of regalia, artefacts, textiles, manuscripts, paintings, and archival materials from various dynasties and princely states.

The museum will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 367 crore on five acres of land near the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Through four thematic galleries, it will offer visitors an interactive experience with historical artefacts, documents, and digital installations.

The museum aims to preserve the memory of the past while inspiring future generations with the timeless spirit of unity and sacrifice.

Historical background

At the time of Independence, the Indian subcontinent comprised British-administered territories and over 550 princely states and kingdoms. The political integration of these states into the Indian Union represents one of the most defining achievements post-Independence. It was under the leadership of thenDeputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel that the rulers of the princely states were persuaded to accede to India through the Instrument of Accession.

By 1949, nearly all princely states had joined the Indian Union, laying the foundation for a unified and sovereign Republic. The peaceful unification stands as a testament to India’s spirit of diplomacy, inclusivity, and nationbuilding.

Key objectives

The museum initiative is envisioned with the following key objectives: A To document and display the rich legacy of India’s royal and princely states.

A To preserve artefacts and archival materials that reflect India’s royal traditions and their contribution to the nation’s unity and cultural identity. A To educate and engage the public on the historical process of integration, the contribution of the princely states and the evolution of India’s governance and cultural unity. A To serve as a centre for research, preservation, and public learning on India’s regal and democratic heritage.

Design features

The museum will offer a variety of exciting features to explore. Inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, it will feature a dedicated gallery for interactive and experiential learning, allowing visitors to explore history in an engaging and entertaining manner.

The museum’s architecture is designed to harmonise with the natural landscape. Water bodies, fountains, courtyards, and gardens form the core structural elements of the museum.

Visitors to the museum will enter through a landscape inspired by royal gardens, setting the tone for the grandeur inside. It will conclude at a cafe, where they would be able to savour royal cuisine.

Spread across four thematic galleries, it will provide visitors with a rich and interactive experience through historical artefacts, documents, and digital installations.

Unity in diversity

The integration of princely states is a remarkable achievement of independent India, symbolising unity in diversity and national triumph. The proposed museum will celebrate this historic process, preserve India’s royal legacies, and highlight their role in shaping cultural and political identity. Combining heritage with modern interpretation, it will act as a living repository of India’s royal past, enhancing a vision of a united, inclusive, and culturally vibrant nation.

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