Class 6 visits National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy

On 8th August 2023, a group of 21 students of class 6, accompanied by 2 teachers, embarked on an educational excursion to the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy, Pragati Maidan. The objective of this trip was to introduce the students to a collection of crafts and textile specimens that provide a storehouse of knowledge of our disappearing traditions. It was also to sensitise the children about Indian handicraft and handlooms in a traditional set up. The excursion gave students a chance to understand the changing lifestyles of people in India over time.

The students noted the awe-inspiring collection preserved in the museum. This national museum consists of over 33,000 specimens of various crafts, acquired over a period of 60 years collected from various states of India such as Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and so on. The collection reflects the perpetuating traditions of handicrafts and handlooms. The museum also preserves a variety of traditional artefacts such as textiles, a vast range of metal lamps, sculptures, utensils, wood-works, folk and tribal paintings, a wide range of cane and bamboo crafts, clay and terracotta figures and a lot more.

The rare and finest specimens of traditional Indian handicrafts and handlooms are preserved with the objective that these will serve as material for the revival, reproduction and development of indigenous art and craft of India.

Students also tapped their feet to traditional Rajasthani folk songs sung by some folk song artists, who were performing at the venue. Later, they got an opportunity to witness the inviting landscape of the Village Complex built there. It comprises of 19 different structures like village dwellings, courtyards, shrines, etc. from different parts of India, built in facsimile with skills and materials of the respective regions.

The visit to the museum was a thrilling experience for the students. It left an indelible impression on their minds. It was a great learning experience and a wonderful opportunity for them to discover the cultural heritage of our nation.