Museums of Gujarat
Calico Museum of Textiles
Established in 1948, the Calico Museum of Textiles is undoubtedly one of India's
leading museums. Its superb collection of textiles is further enhanced by a
line collection of
pichhwais and
patachitras (paintings on cloth).
The museum is housed in two buildings, one displaying textiles of religious
significance and the other traditional court fabrics, tents, carpets and costumes.
Recognising the fact that most an in India revolves around religion, the museum
endeavours to present its collection in themes connected with the two great
Indian religions: Vaishnavism and Jainism, and simulates a suitable religious
atmosphere. The first exhibit is a replica of a small recoiytructed
Pustimarga
shrine with an idol of Srinathji placed on an altar, covered with a painted
textile. The shrine leads to galleries where
pichhwais and textiles belonging
to the Vallabha sect are displayed. The 90
pichhwais are divided into
groups relating to festivals, seasons and a variety of devotional themes.
The Jain Gallery includes shrines,
derasaras of the Svetambara and Digambara
sects as well as a small home shrine, important manuscripts tike the
Kalpasuira
and
Kalakakatha and Jain patas: the yantras and tirtha chitras. The main
attraction, however, is a painted, domed, wooden ceiling of a
derasara.
Three buildings with traditional carved wooden facades located around the
chowk
house the courtly or secular pieces. Here one sees beautiful carpels, embroidered
and decorated
shamianas, wall hangtogs and costumes. There is an excellent
display of
phulkari, the embroiti Punjab. Also on view are well known
kalamkaris and saris. A signific presents the different weaviftg o with
the help of samples, techn and their relation to the different seas.
Calico Museum of Textiles
Ahffiedabad
Timings: 10.15 am to .12.30 pm 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm
Closed on Wednesdays and government holidays.
