India's First Sunken Museum Inaugurated at Humayun's Tomb

The country's first sunken museum, located at the Humayun's Tomb complex, was inaugurated by Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. This innovative museum, inspired by traditional water tanks, displays over 500 artifacts and highlights Mughal emperor Humayun's legacy. It aims to boost Delhi's cultural tourism.

India's premier sunken museum, situated in the Humayun's Tomb complex, opened its doors on Monday evening. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the museum in a ceremony that also featured Prince Rahim Aga Khan. This institution showcases over 500 exclusive artifacts that shed light on the life and times of Mughal emperor Humayun.

Boasting a unique layout inspired by medieval 'baolis' or traditional water tanks, the museum underscores the rich heritage of the Nizamuddin area spanning seven centuries. Developed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this museum is the result of 25 years of conservation efforts. Shekhawat praised the museum as an invaluable addition to Delhi's cultural landscape and a model for future public-private partnerships in heritage conservation.

The museum incorporates cutting-edge technology, offering visitors immersive experiences such as virtual tours and 3-D videos that reconstruct the timeline of the 14th-century shrine. With contributions from leading scholars like Ebba Koch, the museum bridges the gap between history and contemporary life, making it a significant cultural landmark.

(With inputs from agencies.)