Sindhology Museum
The term “Sindhology” describes the study of Sindh. The Indus River has influenced Sindh’s history and culture. This vital resource for Sindh transports minerals and soil from the Himalayas through Sindh to the Indus River Delta, which empties into the Arabian Sea. The Sindhology Museum is full of information and objects from all over Sindh, curated with enjoyment, it is also one of the most fascinating museums.
Visitors can explore various aspects of Sindh’s fascinating heritage through photographs, dioramas, exhibitions, and artifacts from each part of the province. Sindhology Museum is an excellent place for anyone interested in knowing more about this beautiful land’s history and Sindh’s diverse culture.
History of Sindhology Museum
The history of the Sindhology Museum Hyderabad goes back to 1962 when the University of Sindh founded Sindh Academy. The goal was to create a facility for archiving books, manuscripts, and current and old research papers. In addition to other languages like Arabic, English, Persian, and Urdu, another goal was to promote and publish research about Sindh in Sindhi. In 1964, Sindhi Academy changed its name and status to the Institute of Sindhology to emphasize the similarities between Indology and Egyptology. The Institute aimed to promote additional historical investigation into Sindh’s modern society and the Indus Valley civilization.
The old campus of Sindh University gave a small room to the Institute. Institute laid the foundation of a new three-story structure on December 10th, 1972, in Jamshoro, close to the Indus River and just off the Super Highway. The building combines elements of both Islamic and Buddhist architecture. The building’s interior features regional Hala tile work, and it has two arms that house the Research Library and Administrative Block. The central dome contains the Art Gallery, Film and Photographic Sections, Audio-Visual Section, and Anthropological Research Center (Museum).
It constructed an extension in 1987 as part of the Institute’s Silver Jubilee celebrations to house the Bookshop facilities. The Sindhology museum and Institute has developed into one of Pakistan’s top research institutions.
Who Built the Sindhology Museum?
Raziuddin Siddiqui, the founder of Sindhology Centre, is behind this ambitious Institute and Museum. Raziuddin Siddiqui has a Ph.D. in theoretical physics. In this Institute, he established the “Anthropological Research Center and Sindh Arts Gallery” (Museum) for displaying artifacts, the construction of dioramas of various Sindhi ethnic groups, and the establishment of corners for eminent Sindhis. The collection of artifacts began in 1972.
Galleries Inside Sindhology Museum
The sindhology museum Hyderabad has nine galleries inside it. They take you through the region’s most significant events, from prehistoric times to contemporary times. So let’s explore the attractions offered by each gallery.
Ethnological Gallery
Sindh has a long tradition of spirituality, rich cultural heritage, and traditions steeped in symbols. The Ethnological Gallery introduces the visitor to various cultures of Sindh through various dioramas that display aspects of lifestyle, including farming, weddings, sports, community life, etc. Every region in Sindh reflects its unique blend of ethnic dress and jewelry, folk music instruments, and cuisine. This gallery not only depicts popular local customs but also provides a glimpse into different languages, art forms, and lifestyles of people living in Sindh. This gallery contains richly embroidered clothes, dioramas of houses with orchards and fields around them, and picturesque sculptures made from mud or stone.
Prominent Personality Gallery
More than 175 notable writers, spiritual leaders, freedom fighters, attorneys, politicians, philanthropists, social workers, educators, scholars, and public figures like governors, chief ministers, and prime ministers are represented in this gallery by portraits with brief captions. Portraits of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Mr. Muhammad Usman Diplai, a great writer, Syed Gulam Mustafa Shah, author and former vice chancellor of Sindh University, Pir Hussamuddin Rashdi, a renowned scholar; and Hassan Ali Effendi, founder of Sindh Madersatul Islam Karachi have unique corners in this gallery.
Archaeological Gallery
This gallery of Sindhology Museum Hyderabad displays various archaeological objects excavated from different places in Sindh. The majority of these graves belonged to Buddhists; some graves have frescoes with a high level of detail depicting Buddhism’s way of life that shows what food they eat, clothes they wear, colors of dresses, etc. This archeological gallery would help one understand the Indus Valley Civilization better. Other archeological materials include jewelry, pottery, metalwork, artwork, etc.
General Gallery
The General gallery of the Sindhology Museum Jamshoro includes various objects, ornaments, and utensils used by different communities. The Bangles – both old-fashioned pieces of jewelry made from metal and modernistic pieces decorated with synthetic stones also find their space in this gallery. This gallery showcases the commonalities and contrasts within the culture of the Indus Valley people, which is one of the primary reasons for its fascination with visitors.
Coins Gallery
The most exciting exhibit at the Museum is Coins Gallery. The collection of coins showcases periods dating back as far as 600 AD, including Coins of the Mughal Period. There are also coins of regional rulers that offer remarkable insights into ancient monetary systems that were prevalent at the time.
Arms Gallery
The Sindhology museum Hyderabad features galleries of armaments of various periods, from medieval times to the present day. The galleries include displays of weapons, each section labeled by geographical location and period. This section is an exhibition of weaponry dating back as far as 3000 BC; swords, arrows, spears, and other ancient arms.
Photographic Gallery
One of the fascinating displays is depicting Indus valley paintings. Indus painting gallery is one part of the Museum that showcases frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and other pieces depicting various phases of life from around 2000 BC till the 13th century AD.
Musical Gallery
Sindhi music has withstood the test of time due to its unique form and rhythm. Particularly, Sindhi folk tunes continue to enrich rural people’s traditions and customs and draw urban residents’ interest. Because of this, Sindhi music research and preservation are essential components of the local cultural heritage. The Sindhology Museum Jamshoro has therefore developed creative methods to preserve this. The Institute’s specialized unit travels to isolated villages to record different Sindhi music, folklore, folktales, and tunes played on regional musical instruments. The collection is made available on tapes and cassettes in its original form and shape and has been gradually expanding.
Art Galleries
Arts galleries exhibit works of different artists. These might include paintings, sculptures, craft objects, textiles, or photography. These galleries’ collections range from classical art, such as miniature paintings, works on paper, and calligraphy, to modern artworks. Visitors can experience through these galleries different dimensions of Sindhi artistry.
Facilities Inside Sindhology Museum
Sindhology Museum Hyderabad provides many facilities to its visitors and local students who come here for research purposes.
Library for Visitors
The Institute has a research library with many sections honoring notable Sindhi scholars. The library’s Research division still preserves and records the local history. Cataloging and publishing bibliographies, periodical literature, and directories served as the foundation for the rest of the project. It led to the creation of a list of Sindhi authors, a reference work on famous Sindhi people, and a bibliography of Sindhi books. Many renowned publications on Sindhi culture have used the library archives as their primary sources of information.
Canteen and Parking Facility
At the entrance of the Museum, there is also a food canteen. Visitors have an opportunity to sit on chairs and dine under the shade of trees. Visitors can enjoy traditional Sindhi dishes along with snacks such as samosas and pakoras from stalls within the premises of the Museum Parking is available for members and visitors.
Cultural Festivals
Sindhology museum Jamshoro exhibits rare and exquisite artifacts and hosts many cultural festivals throughout the year, allowing visitors to experience authentic Sindhi food, dances, live music, etc. The Institute of Sindhology has received domestic and international recognition as a unique cultural repository. Sindhology Museum hosted the International Children’s Film Festival in 2015.
Sindhology Museum Ticket Price & Timings
Entry ticket for students and senior citizens is Free, while adults must pay PKR 15 for the Ticket. The Museum opens from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on all days except official holidays.
Location of Sindhology Museum Jamshoro
Sindhology Museum is located adjacent to the Indus River, 150 kilometers away from Karachi and 12 Kilometers from Hyderabad on Jamshoro Super Highway in Sindh, Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sindhology Museum Famous?
At the University of Sindh campus, the Sindhology Museum, also known as Anthropological Research Center, is a significant attraction for academics and regular people. Every day, it draws large crowds of people who admire and appreciate the excellent work in conceptualizing the idea of collecting, preserving, and showcasing Sindhi culture. By all visitors from Pakistan and abroad, this location is regarded as unique.
Is Sindhology Museum a good place for students?
A visit to this Museum is an experience that any student, especially those who love Sindhi culture, would find fascinating. Students can access the library and research center and see paintings, pottery, and photographs depicting places, clothing, and lifestyle from various regions across Sindh. The education department organizes school trips for students at Sindhology Museum Jamshoro so students can learn about their culture.
Is the Sindhology Museum Worth Visiting?
Sindhology Museum Hyderabad is worth visiting because it contains many rare relics. The harmonium on which renowned Pakistani musician Mr. Ahmed Ali G. Chagla wrote the country’s national anthem, the Monarch, the first Sindhi typewriter produced in the United States in 1926, and the statue of Rai Bahadur Chhabria, who founded the Odhoudas Hospital in Shikarpur, are also displayed in Sindhology Museum Hyderabad.
Conclusion
The many different historical periods in Sindh have left us an archaeological legacy that we are only beginning to understand. The remarkable findings of Sindh’s excavations are attracting more and more people who want to know more about their roots. We can take pride in our diverse heritage by learning more about the legacy of Sindh, with its rich language, customs, arts, and cultures from all over Pakistan. We hope you will visit this Sindhology Museum in Hyderabad and come back to share your experience.