The Telangana State Archaeology Museum in Hyderabad is in bad shape, with damaged artifacts and not enough staff to take care of it. Heritage activists are urging the government to save the building before it falls apart. They are worried that the museum’s collection, which includes a 2,500-year-old Egyptian mummy and a large collection of coins, will deteriorate if it is not restored by the Archaeological Survey of India and the State government.
The museum has a long history. It was first explored by archaeologist Henry Cousens in the 19th century, and in 1940, the site was excavated under the supervision of the Nizam of Hyderabad. The excavated items were placed in a museum built on the site. In 1952, the contents of the museum were moved to the current building. It was named Hyderabad Museum by Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan in 1930 and later renamed Andhra Pradesh State Archaeology Museum in 1960. After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, it was renamed Telangana State Archaeological Museum.
The museum houses a large collection of coins and artifacts dating back centuries, representing various eras in history. It also has a gallery dedicated to Buddha. However, due to negligence from the government, the state of the museum is deteriorating. The artifacts, including the ancient Egyptian mummy, are not being properly preserved. Despite having staff and government funding, the museum is being neglected.
There are hardly any visitors to the museum, and there is concern that people will forget about its existence. Social activists are calling for the government to restore the museum and take better care of its cultural history and heritage. The structure itself is showing signs of damage and neglect, with blackened walls and a risk of collapse. Broken stone sculptures and bronze cannons are left lying around without proper care. The lack of staff adds to the problems faced by the museum.
In conclusion, the Telangana State Archaeology Museum in Hyderabad is in a sorry state with damaged artifacts, neglect, and insufficient staff. Activists are urging the government to restore the museum and preserve its valuable collection for future generations.
