Alamkara, the permanent jewellery gallery at the National Museum, Delhi is going to re-open soon, over a decade after its exhibits had been moved to a non-public area of the museum. It had 255 classic jewellery pieces housed in 25 glass cases that depict the country’s rich jewellery heritage dating back five millennia.

The layout follows chronology dating back to objects from Harappa and Mohenjodaro, with the oldest artefact currently being one that is from 2,900 BCE.

The new display will have a larger number of exhibits including necklaces, bracelets, pendants, bangles, earplugs, needles and girdles, both from the royal heritage as well as those used by common households.

Different sections showcase jewellery pieces for men and children, flora and fauna used in ornamentation, amulets, Western influences in Indian jewellery in the 19th century and some of the ancient manufacturing techniques.

The gallery is being curated by leading jewellery historian Dr Usha Balakrishnan.