Museums of India and their Maladies

The Latin word "museum" is derived from the Greek work ‘museum’ in which it means a temple dedicated to the Muses, or the Greek goddesses of the arts and sciences. This word ‘museum’ is thus the most apt word for the modem storehouses of the works of nature and man in their diverse ramifications, though they no longer convey the sense of a temple for worship as the original word did. In modem times, however, the concept of a museum has widened. Its purpose now is to stimulate curiosity, pleasure and even awe by confrontation with the works of nature and man. It has become a cultural centre where activities of all kinds that widen mind’s horizons and elevate the spirit centered around various artefacts of man and nature take place. When the word ‘museum’ is so much talked about, the discussion about its history, working, maintenance and its role in the day-do-day life of a common man assumes importance. This book delves deep in dealing all these aspects, museum movement, the need for ore museums in India, need of a library in a museum and cultural exchange through museums. The problems faced by the museum personnel all over the country have been discussed at length in the chapter on ‘Museums’ of India and their Maladies.