Indian miniature paintings trail

The Miniature Painting gallery at the National museum houses 17000 beautiful Indian miniatures. What stories do they tell? While you marvel at the painting of a royal wedding procession, we will tell you about the terrible tragedy that followed; one that altered the course of Indian history. We’ll explore the symbolism in Jain Mandalas and the significance of Goddess worship in India. Why does a Mughal painting depict Emperor Jahangir holding a portrait of Mother Mary? Walk through the corridors and discover stories – of demon kings, fierce wars and tragic love.

The audio tour begins at the entrance of the Indian Miniature Painting Gallery on the ground floor of the National Museum Delhi. Look for QR codes near paintings to listen to their stories.

Free/Paid

Free

Conveyance

50 mins

Timing & Ticketing

Timings

The National Museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM between Tuesdays and Sundays. The museum does not work on Mondays and gazetted holidays.

Tickets

You will have to buy a ticket to enter the museum. There are different rates for Indians and for foreign visitors.

The applicable rates are:
Adult (Indian) Rs. 20/-
Adult (Non-Indian) Rs. 650/- (Including audio guide)
Indian school students carrying id are permitted into the museum for free.

Photography

Photography is permitted inside the museum. There is no camera ticket.
Still cameras (without tripods) are allowed inside the museum.
Videography is not allowed.

Before You Go

Address

Janpath Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Delhi 110011 Opposite the Ministry of External Affairs, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan

Parking

Parking is only available at the Archaeological Survey of India complex which is in walking distance of the museum.

Bus Stops

National Museum bus stop Nirman Bhavan bus stop

Metro stations

Udyog Bhavan Central Secretariat

Highlights

The National Museum in Delhi was established in 1949, and is one of the largest museums in India. It houses over 2, 00,000 art objects. There are many exquisite miniatures at the Indian Miniatures gallery. You will see Buddhist folios from 1000 CE and illustrations of Jain Kalpasutras from the early 1500s. A painting to look out for is ‘Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the marriage procession of his eldest son, Dara Shikoh’, painted between 1740 CE and 1750 CE. You will also see a series of Rajasthani miniatures depicting the dalliance of Krishna and Radha, and a collection of Pahari miniatures depicting Goddesses Durga and Kali.

Preview

Introduction

Preview

The Tragedy of Dara Shikoh