Collections, Jewellery Gallery

The jewellery gallery at the national museum is called Alamkara - The Beauty of Ornament. Alamkara is adornment and a body devoid of adornment is imperfect. But once decorated with beautiful ornaments, the body assumes form, becomes visible, attractive and perfect.

The National Museum has the most extensive collection of jewellery in India. More than 250 items displayed here tell the story of Indian jewellery. From the beautifully tumbled agate bead necklaces of Mohenjodaro and Harappa to the fabulous jewels adorned with images of gods and goddesses to the magnificent items that once reposed in the treasuries of the Mughal emperors and the maharajas, the collection spans important periods in Indian history.