By Lakshya Govani
Nahargarh Fort is a prominent and expansive fort located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and its breathtaking views are truly beyond description. The image depicts Jaipur’s famous Jal Mahal, situated alongside the city of Jaipur, which is located at the edge of the Aravalli mountains. The area is well-maintained, and during the journey there, I found that the trip was even more beautiful than the destination itself. The scenery along the road gave the impression that you were driving through a lush, green landscape, as if a narrow road was weaving through the edges of a forest. Just imagine!
The museum is an incredible attraction that encompasses three distinct parts: the Hall of Icons, the Royal Darbar, and the Sheesh Mahal. Each section is beautifully curated, showcasing an array of gold, silver, and other precious artifacts that tell captivating stories of history and culture.
Hall of Icons
The Hall of Icons is a breathtaking experience, filled with majestic creations that truly transport you to the presence of iconic personalities from India’s rich history. This extraordinary hall features meticulously designed sculptures by the talented artist, Mr. Susanta Ray, who was personally selected by the museum’s director, Mr. Anup Shrivastava.
As you wander through the hall, you’ll encounter representations of revered freedom fighters, modern-day heroes, and celebrated Indian leaders. The carefully crafted installations feature striking depictions of landmarks, such as India Gate, and a lifelike spaceship honoring Kalpana Chawla, each designed to immerse you in the moment and evoke a sense of place. The layout of the hall is thoughtfully organized into separate sections, allowing visitors to feel they have stepped directly into specific historical contexts.
One standout experience is the Buddhist section, where the presence of the current Dalai Lama is so authentically rendered that the ambiance shifts around you, creating an almost spiritual connection. The scents, sounds, and visual elements work in harmony to create a sense of engaging in conversation with this revered figure.
Adding to the uniqueness of the Hall of Icons is an impressive ten-foot-long bullet bike named Giti Gamini, which draws considerable attention and admiration. This striking piece stands out not just as a marvel of engineering but also symbolizes the adventurous spirit of Indian youth.
Overall, the Hall of Icons is an awe-inspiring destination that leaves visitors with a profound sense of connection to India’s past and an appreciation for its rich narrative. Each visit feels like a journey through time, making this museum truly remarkable and unforgettable!
Royal Darbar
This section of the museum showcases the ruling history of Rajasthan. It provides insights into who built the forts, who the most knowledgeable leaders of Rajasthan were, and the famous stories of Jaipur.
What I appreciated most about this section was that each painting features colorful stones attached to it, highlighting how the royals of ancient times adorned themselves with gems to showcase their wealth and vibrancy. I also enjoyed observing the different types of stones on display, each with its own history and unique color. The pictures demonstrate how the kings used specific stones as symbols to represent their identity and significance.
Sheesh Mahal – The Identity of This Place
The Sheesh Mahal is a very unique part of this museum. As soon as you enter this area, the odor, the sounds, and many other elements will make you feel as if you are in the old times of Rajasthan, standing in front of the royals. The floor is handcrafted from pieces of glass that were specially hand-cut and arranged in an orderly manner. This glass floor has a fascinating backstory. When the owner of the museum, Mr. Anup Shrivastava, was searching for flooring for this section, he initially selected a type that was too costly to be used in the museum. However, he was very attracted to it. He then decided to try something unique that had not been used in any Sheesh Mahal around the world, and that idea was to use pieces of glass for the flooring, which created a distinctive effect. The result was so impressive that it outperformed traditional carpet flooring.
Additionally, this glass floor allows you to see what is above your head—a beautiful gold lantern mounted above. This museum is made up of more than 2.5 million glass pieces, all of which are hand-cut, arranged, and painted by hand. The Sheesh Mahal also features a different type of mirror called a Thikri mirror, which allows visitors to see everyone standing with them in that particular area.
Within this area, you can find a bride’s makeup room that has a rich red and old-world color vibe. Here, the queen used to dress up, and her jewelry, such as necklaces and rings, was kept in special boxes designed to attract attention. Gold is used in many of the paintings displayed here, and you can also see an area where silver was hand-cut and safely embedded in a wall. In some instances, Thikri mirrors were placed strategically so that you could see the entire Sheesh Mahal from just a small piece of mirror.
Kings also had a special meditation room and a storage room for their needs. Additionally, a duplicate model of the Kohinoor diamond is displayed here. This section of the museum is truly a soothing experience for your tired eyes.
Conclusion
After the visit, the display outside this place was unique. There was a puppet show and a magic show, which attracted many audience members. After the visit, we talked to the head, Mr. Anup Shrivastava. Here are some highlights from our conversation:
He is a remarkable personality who is greatly inspired by Amitabh Bachchan. He mentioned that the first statue he made was of Amitabh Bachchan himself. He answered every question thoughtfully and interactively, and his words truly resonated with me. He began his journey with the help of the film industry and has never looked back since.
While creating this museum, he faced many challenges, including issues with workers, builders, and supplies. However, after overcoming these difficulties, he transformed a once-neglected place into a popular destination that everyone now wants to visit. In the end, I extend a heartfelt salute to this great individual who has dedicated himself to showcasing India’s rich diversity and history.