NATIONAL GALLERY OF PORTRAITS

India is one of the cradles of human civilization. Indian civilization, which has evolved over a period of thousands of years, has been marked by an unusual continuity and distinct individuality. The people of India have been formed through a process of intermingling of almost all the ethnic stocks of man who have made India their home at different times. They have developed a culture which is unique in its richness and variety. Throughout history, the people of India interacted with other cultures and civilizations. Many of them, including those who conquered Indian lands, made India their home, contributing to the further

enrichment of India's life and culture. However, in the middle of the eighteenth century, a new period began in the history of India, when I was ruled over by alien powers. During this period, the people of India and resources of India were exploited at its most to promote the interests of the ruling section of the ruling country. A new social and economic system started to emerge in Europe. There was tremendous growth in trade and commerce. The period also saw the beginning of modern science and technology. These developments were accompanied by a wave of colonization and unprecedented expansion of trade. The colonial and trading countries of Europe plundered the colonies and made immense profits from trade. The wealth thus obtained and the use of newly invented technology brought in the Industrial Revolution and transformed the social and economic system of some countries of Europe. India fell under British rule during this period. The process of the imperialist conquest of India, like that of other countries, was accompanied by resistance to foreign rule and the emergence of movements of national liberation.

In the 20th century, most countries succeeded in overthrowing the foreign yoke. India also became free in 1947, after almost two centuries of foreign rule. The visuals and documents which are displayed in the gallery tell the story of how the people of India waged a struggle to win back their freedom and to build a new India and give a glimpse of the reawakening of India from the time of first war of independence of 1857 to the achievement of freedom in 1947 when India fulfilled her 'tryst with destiny' and assumed rightful place in the country of free nations. The gallery displays forty one well researched computer

generated photo and document panels which have been collected from the known historical research organizations, institutions and archives of the country. The panels are supported by the oil paintings of portraits, metal and plaster cast sculptures of selected freedom fighters, murals and dioramas. There is a special book corner which has reference book and journals related to the relevant period for the visitor's reference purposes.