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What is housed in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya?
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Mumbai
Entrance to Mumbai Harbour, marked by the Gateway of India (right foreground).
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Mumbai houses an extensive collection of approximately 70,000 items spanning three primary categories: art, archaeology, and natural history.12
Key highlights of the museum's holdings include:
- Art: A robust array of Indian miniature paintings from the Mughal, Rajasthani, Pahari, and Deccani schools, alongside Japanese art such as ceramics and wood figurines. It also features traditional Indian textiles and costumes showcasing techniques like embroidery and beadwork.12
- Archaeology: Artifacts from the Indus civilization, including terra-cotta figurines and stone weights. The collection also contains ancient sculptures, architectural relics, and a significant assortment of coins from various Indian dynasties, such as the Gupta dynasty.12
- Arms and Armor: Notable pieces include a sword belonging to Ala al-Din Khalji and a suit of armor and shield once owned by the Mughal emperor Akbar.2
- Natural History: The museum maintains a collection of taxidermied specimens, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as the skulls of endangered species like the Sumatran rhinoceros.2