A collection of photographs dating back to the early 12th century AD left visitors enthralled on the occasion of International Museum Day on Sunday as the Venkatappa Art Gallery and the Government Museum unveiled a photo exhibition inspired by Jain Tirthankaras.

Around 30 pictures, including that of the Jain Tirtankaras such as Parshwanatha, Shantinatha and Neminatha were on display along with valuable artefacts such as copper coins used during the Chola period, rare daggers , carved ivory items and others. The Gallery and Museum staff maintained that while some pictures have been obtained from museums located across the State, some of them have been donated.

Director (Museums), Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, H T Talwar told Deccan Herald: “The theme for 2014 Museum Day is ‘museum collections make connections’. This is the first time we are celebrating the Mu­seum Day and will continue to hold it every year. Our department has been collecting the pictures of Tirtha­nk­a­ras and artefacts on a regular basis.”

He also suggested that the Education department take steps to introduce new courses in archaeology, inscriptions and the study of statues.

Senior researcher Vemagal Somashekhar, who was present on the occasion, spoke about the Government Museum. “The Government Museum in Bangalore is the sixth museum that was opened in India. Surgeon Edward Green Balfour had a habit of collecting old things and had collection of around 3000 items.

This was noticed by the British government and they set up a museum at the Superintendent Office on St Marks Road in 1865. The road was popularly known as Museum Road.

It was known as Mysore Museum,”he said. He added that in 1877, another museum was set up on Sydney Road, which is now known as Kasturba Road. “On November 17, 1877, the collectibles from  Mysore Museum was shifted to the Government Museum on Kasturba Road. In 1976, Venkatappa Art Gallery was started,” said Somashekhar.
The exhibition will be open to visitors from 11 am to 5.30 pm till May 24.There is no entrance fee.