Baramulla, July 24: Meeras Mahal, the valley’s first and most extensive private museum, has embraced the digital era by launching an online platform.
Nestled in the enchanting Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, this revered museum boasts a staggering collection of over 7,000 precious artifacts, offering a fascinating ethnographic lens into the region’s cultural heritage.
Founded in 2002 by the visionary educationist Late Aatiqa Bano, Meeras Mahal has remained steadfast in its mission to safeguard Kashmir’s identity and depict its illustrious history.
Ancient ornaments, coins, traditional dresses, and utensils are among the cherished treasures now accessible to the world through the museum’s new website, www.meerasmahalmuseum.com.
Initially, Meeras Mahal started as a humble room housing a lone Kashmiri firepot. However, with unwavering dedication and a growing collection of donations from eager patrons seeking preservation, the museum blossomed into an awe-inspiring repository of the region’s cultural wealth.
Despite efforts to garner government support, late Aatiqa Bano’s endeavors faced challenges, but with renewed hope in the present administration, her nephew Muzzamil Bashir remains optimistic about securing the heritage’s future.
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Kashmir, has stepped up to support Meeras Mahal, playing a pivotal role in mapping, documenting, and conserving the valley’s precious cultural legacy.
The museum has recently relocated to a purpose-built gallery-type structure that fulfills all the requirements of a modern museum.
Meeras Mahal’s eclectic collection spans terracotta, woodwork, wicker and grass-ware, metal, stone, textiles, and manuscripts, providing a vivid snapshot of daily life in historic Kashmir until the 20th century.
Adding to its diverse assortment, Meeras now features Ladakh’s heritage items, including traditional dresses.
The grand inauguration of the museum’s website was officiated by Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Syed Sehrish Asgar, underscoring the significance of preserving cultural heritage in the digital age.
The tireless efforts of Musarat Kar, President of Municipal Council Sopore and a devoted volunteer, have made the online platform a reality, enabling people worldwide to delve into Kashmir’s rich past.
As the peak tourism season arrives, Meeras Mahal draws heritage enthusiasts, local students, and curious foreigners alike, eager to glean insights into the valley’s illustrious history.
DC Baramulla remarked that the artifacts hold immense cultural and heritage value, reflecting the region’s distinctive lifestyle and customs.
The museum has become a cherished resource for locals seeking a glimpse into the lives of their ancestors and an invaluable window into their vernacular past.
