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| 150 yrs on, Dogra Museum sans functional building | | International Museum Day | | Early Times Report
Jammu, May 18: The Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums is celebrating International Museum Day, even as after 150 years of its establishment the Dogra Art Museum has no functional building for preservation of over 7000 antique artworks.
Moreover, instead of taking action against the officials involved in the damage caused to the precious Dogra heritage of Basohli paintings, an outgoing official had refused to initiate any enquiry in the matter.
The Dogra Art Museum was established in 1867, when Prince of Wales (5th) Edward had desired to visit Jammu and Kashmir to see the artworks.
"Kharak Singh, the then Finance Minister of Maharaja Ranbir Singh, established the museum in less than 18 months and the building of Legislative Complex was used to house the artefacts," an official said.
He said that in 1947, when Jammu and Kashmir government took reins of the state, the building of Art Museum was used for Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council. "The Dogra Art Museum was housed in the second floor of the Gandhi Sewa Sadan. In 1990, the then Governor shifted the Dogra Art museum to Pink Hall of old legislative complex", he said.
The official said that even after over one and half century, since the establishment of the Art Museum, no functional building has been made for the museum. "The Dogra Art Museum has no air conditioned building. Besides, the infrastructure required is almost nil", the official said, adding that the artworks present in the Art Museum are very antique and world renowned.
"In comparison to the facilities available in the National Art Museum, the Dogra Art Museum has none. There are no rust proof almirah or other facilities to preserve the artworks", the official said.
He said the world famous Basohli paintings have been partially damaged due to moisture attack, but the officials responsible for the act were not punished.
"The artworks are ruining; the Dogra Art museum has no functional building besides no facilities. In such situation, what is the rationale of celebrating the International Museum day", an official questioned. |
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