Exploring the historic SALAR JUNG Museum – A Treasure of Art and Culture | Hyderabad ~ KHALVONTAWI - Voice of the Voiceless from Northeast India

Exploring the historic SALAR JUNG Museum – A Treasure of Art and Culture | Hyderabad

The Salar Jung Museum, one of India’s most famous museums, was established in 1951 and is located on the southern bank of the River Musi in Hyderabad, Telangana. The museum houses a priceless collection of art, antiques, and manuscripts gathered from around the world by the illustrious Salar Jung family, who served as prime ministers during the rule of the Nizams of Hyderabad.

The most notable collector was Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, known as Salar Jung III, who became prime minister under Nizam VII, Mir Osman Ali Khan, in 1912. After stepping down in 1914, he devoted his life to collecting art and literature. His ancestral palace, Dewan Deodi, became a hub for traders and antique dealers from across the globe. Salar Jung III also sent agents abroad to buy rare items and personally purchased many treasures during his visits to Europe and the Middle East.

He was not only a great collector of antiques, art, and rare manuscripts but also a patron of poets, artists, and writers, encouraging literary and cultural activities. When he passed away in 1949, his vast collection had no heir. His family later gifted this priceless collection to the nation. The museum was inaugurated on December 16, 1951, by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister.

Today, the Salar Jung Museum holds over 46,000 art objects, 8,000 manuscripts, and 60,000 printed books. The library includes a rich collection of rare books and thousands of manuscripts in Persian, Arabic, and Urdu. Scholars can access the library with special passes from the reception counter.

The museum’s treasures reflect human creativity from the 2nd century B.C. to the early 20th century A.D., featuring Indian, Middle Eastern, Persian, Nepalese, Japanese, Chinese, and Western art. It offers visitors a glimpse into India’s cultural past and the art of other civilizations. The Salar Jung Museum also probably has the largest collection of “Bidri ware” in the world—an intricate metal handicraft unique to the Deccan region.

The museum has 39 galleries spread across three buildings: the Central Block (26 galleries), Eastern Block – Mir Laiq Ali Khan Bhavan (6 galleries), and Western Block – Mir Turab Ali Khan Bhavan (7 galleries).

The Salar Jung Museum was shifted to its present building in 1968, inaugurated by Dr. Zakir Hussain, then President of India. It was later declared an Institution of National Importance and is now managed by an autonomous board headed by the Governor of Telangana.

The museum is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days except Fridays and public holidays.

Entry Fee:

₹50 per Adult (above 18 years) – Indians
₹20 per Child (above 5 years) – Indians
₹500 per person – Foreign Visitors
₹50 per Still Camera / Smartphone (Mobile)
Audio Guide – Free with Mobile Ticket
Government School Children (up to 14 years) – Free entry with valid ID card and authorization letter from school
Fine: ₹500 for photography without a valid ticket

The Salar Jung Museum continues to be a window into the world of art and history—preserving the legacy of one man’s lifelong passion for beauty, knowledge, and culture.

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