The National Museum in Muscat recently inaugurated an exhibition titled “Zeina: The Splendors of the Indian Court” in partnership with Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah from Kuwait. The exhibition aims to showcase the richness of Indian Islamic civilization through more than 130 unique art pieces. These pieces, including carved gemstones, weapons, and luxurious jewelry, were collected from the mid-1970s until the present day. Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to explore artifacts that characterized the Indian royal courts from the 16th to 18th centuries, highlighting the artistic developments and innovative techniques unique to Indian arts and crafts over the centuries.
The exhibition will be open to the public until September 12, 2024, providing an insight into the opulence of the lives of princes and their craftsmanship. In his speech at the inauguration, Jamal Hassan al-Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, expressed gratitude for Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah in Kuwait for preserving and disseminating unique Islamic heritage. The exhibition is a result of decades of research and study of jewelry and ornaments that showcase the skills, precision, and innovative quality provided by Indian artisans to the world. The collection includes artifacts such as a gemstone inscribed with the name of the Timurid ruler “Ulugh Beg” and a jade necklace with the name of Mughal Emperor “Shah Jahan,” among others.
Eng. Badr Ahmed al-Baijan, Chairman of the Founding Committee of the Friends of Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, highlighted the significance of the al-Sabah Collection, considered one of the world’s most significant art collections, encompassing artifacts from various periods. The exhibition features a variety of daggers, knives, and swords inlaid with precious jewels, reflecting the splendor and craftsmanship of Indian Islamic civilization. Additionally, the collection includes archery rings, shields, domes, ceremonial sceptres, and women’s jewelry, all reflecting the harmony between arts and court life in the Indian subcontinent.
Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, established in 1983 in Kuwait, houses a private Kuwaiti art collection owned by Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah and Sheikha Hessa Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah. The institution was founded to display and manage the al-Sabah Collection, a collection of Islamic art loaned to Kuwait under the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters. This collection includes over 30,000 artifacts spanning a world from China to Andalusia, dated from the 7th to 19th centuries CE. Moreover, Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah has a specialized library containing rare books from the 19th century and publishes studies related to Islamic art and civilization, further enhancing cultural understanding and appreciation.
The collaboration between the National Museum in Muscat and Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah in Kuwait aims to enhance cultural and civilizational communication between the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Kuwait. This effort celebrates the rich Islamic heritage and art, forging a stronger bond between the two countries. By showcasing the art of Indian Islamic civilization, the exhibition offers visitors a unique glimpse into the opulence, craftsmanship, and artistic innovations of the Indian royal courts. This exhibition serves as a platform for cultural exchange and understanding, bridging the gap between different civilizations and fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts and heritage.
