Visit to exhibition at the National Museum- class 6

"Learning should be joyful and full of excitement. It is lifes greatest adventure ; it is an illustrated excursion into the minds of the noble and the learned." -Taylor Caldwell

In an endeavour to provide a see- for- yourself experience to supplement the curriculum, a visit to the National Museum was organised for the students of class VI on 17 and 18 May, 2018. The exhibition India and the World is a collaborative endeavour of the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangharlaya, Mumbai, the British Museum, London and the National Museum, New Delhi, to bring to light Indias glorious past for the citizens of Delhi. The aim of this collective exposition is to explore connections and comparisons between India and the rest of the world. Iconic objects representing important landmarks of Indian history in a wider global context, are on display.

The exhibition at the National Museum, New Delhi, showcased the story of India in nine sections, ranging from themes such as, development of cities, courtly lives, states and empires, religion and politics.

Over 200 iconic objects from 10 countries-sculptures, inscriptions, coins and paintings, were on display. These exhibits highlighted Indias relationship with the rest of the world and provided an opportunity to our students to observe how diverse peoples express ideas in remarkably similar ways. The students were grouped into 3 batches. Each group was accompanied by two teachers who shared interesting information about these objects and their importance. The visual experience was abundantly accompanied by narratives based on these articles.

A brain storming session preceeded each of the 9 narratives and was followed by work exercises based on the displayed objects. The students engaged in an hands-on activity making ( acrylic) seals amidst much excitement.They were delighted at being allowed to take these home as souvenirs! The information on the exhibits offered a rich peak into the glorious historical past that otherwise escapes textual documentation.

Ms. Neha Sachdeva.