This is the main historic repository of Chandigarh. Many of the pieces reflect the ancient history of the area, and include works from the Indus Valley Civilisation, Gandhara Period and Harappan Civilisation. These were formerly housed in the Central Museum, Lahore - which was the former capital of undivided Punjab.
After partition, 60% of the pieces remained in Lahore, and 40% were moved to India, where they moved several times until this centre, and Chandigarh were built.
The museum was opened in 1968 and is notable as it was personally designed by Le Corbusier, who also designed the main plans for Chandigarh.
About Chandigarh:
The first planned city in India, it was named for the Chandi Temple, some 15km away from the modern city.
Chandigarh is the dual capital of the States of Punjab and Haryana. It lies in the middle and is a Union Territory of India (like the Australian Capital Territory). It was made necessary during the Partition of India (and in this context, of Punjab), when the former capital of Punjab was lost to the Punjab state of Pakistan - this was Lahore.
Today Lahore is only 25 km from the Border with India at Wagah/Attari in Pakistan/India respectively. Amritsar is a similar distance across into India.
More about the CIty of Chandigarh, and its status and history can be found at the official website: chandigarh.nic.in/
Monday, April 16, 2007
The Government Museum & Art Gallery, Chandigarh
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