The Ministry of Culture in collaboration with France Museum Development (FMD), has launched an ambitious jouney to establish the Yuga/Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum as a global cultural icon. Spanning around 117,000 square meters and having 950 rooms across the North and South Blocks of New Delhi. The museum will celebrate India’s civilisation history and serve as a part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.
First announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the International Museum Expo in May 2023 and later highlighted during the inaugration of Bharat Mandapam in July, this initiative underscores India’s dedication to preserve its cultural heritage and foster international partnerships.
A Vision to Reimage India’s Heritage-
Yuga Yugeen Bharat, which means ‘The timeless and eternal India’ is being created to bring together India’s magnificent past and its dynamic present. Also, France’s expertise in museum development, exemplified by the Lourve, Grand Palais and Hotel de la Marine, will preserve the architectural heritage of the North and South Blocks while reimaging them into vibrant cultural hubs.
The project will be carried out in two phases. The transformation of the North Block is set to be completed by June 2026. To enable this retrofitting, the ministeries of finance, home affairs and others will relocate to the Common Central Secretariate by March 2025.
Thematic Segments of the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum-
The museum will feature eight thematic sections, narrating the story of India from the prehistoric era to the present day.
- Ancient Indian Knowledge:
- Showcasing India’s profound knowledge systems, including astronomy, medicine, town planning and texts like the Vedas and Upanishads.
- Featuring artifacts and manuscripts that exemplify these traditions.
- Ancient to Medieval:
- Highlighting the Mauryan and Gupta empires, the Chola dynasty, the Vijayanagara Empire and the Mughal Empire.
- Displaying art, architecture, literature, religion and cultural achievements.
- Medieval:
- Focusing on kingdoms like the Maratha Empire, Delhi Sultanate and Bahmani Sultanate.
- Exploring cultural and religious interactions, including the growth of Islam, Sikhism and Christianity.
- Medieval to Transition Phase:
- Examining the shift to the Modern Era, including the rise and fall of the Sikh Empire, Mysore Kingdom and Bengal Subah.
- Showcasing social and economic changes of the time.
- Modern India:
- Chronicling India’s history from the 18th century, through British rule, to the post-independence period.
- Highlighting achievements and challenges in various sectors since independence.
- Colonial Rule:
- Detailing European colonialism, including British, Dutch, Portuguese and French influence.
- Featuring resistance movements against colonial powers.
- Freedom Struggle:
- Celebrating the leaders and movements that contributed to India’s independence.
- 100 Years from 1947 Onwards:
- Focusing on India’s progress in democracy, economy, science, technology, culture and sports over the last century.
Conclusion-
Yuga Yugeen Bharat has quickly emerged as a global attraction. The museum’s extensive collection and cutting-edge exhibits fascinate scholars, art enthusiasts and curious travelers from around the world. More than a repository of artifacts, Yuga Yugeen Bharat stands as a tribute to India’s vibrant cultural heritage, bridging the past, present and future. It provides a one-of-a-kind, inspiring experience for visitors of all ages, making it a true cultural and historical landmark.