Museology Opens Up New Innovative Opportunities for You in History

Nilanjana Som, project researcher (part-time) and consultant at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai, talks about the possibilities one may create.

Tell us something about your academic background.

I did my graduation in history from Janki Devi Mahavidyalaya, Delhi University and then my masters in medieval history from (DU) before doing another postgraduate programme - in museology. Though you can be from any field of study, it helped to have a history background. This is because major museums in India are historic in nature.

When and why did you decide to become a museologist?

I have been a frequent visitor to museums because of my parents' keen interest in making us aware of our rich past. It was my mother who suggested I take up museology. The study can be applied and experimented.

Tell us about your first job and your current work.

My first job was with the Mehrangarh Museum Trust (MMT) under Karni Singh Jasol. He helped me develop an eye for objects of art and appreciate these. There, I worked with curators and experts from around the world. However, I do give credit to my teachers at the National Museum Institute and the fact that for two years, I studied museology while being surrounded by beautiful sculptures, paintings and other works of art. There were numerous international seminars and conferences that helped me build my analytical side.

I have primarily been a consultant with various museums such as MMT, Jodhpur; Scindia Museum in Gwalior and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai. Besides, I have worked with private art collectors and an art gallery, Artroom, in Bandra, Mumbai.

Currently, being a part-time project-researcher in CSMVS is definitely enriching. Working under respected curators and learning first-hand will definitely help me in the long run.

What's the scope for work as a museologist today? Is there any new job avenue open to museologists? Will you recommend this profession to young students?

Creative satisfaction. If you are not passionate and want only money, this is not your field. In today's world, everything is possible. There are many avenues open - art galleries, private art collectors, researchers, auction houses, art trusts, museums and so on. If nothing else, create a new branch. I have four jobs right now, including research on Indian films.

One can try one's hand at writing. Then there are travel/ history shows. Be imaginative and the world is at your feet, literally.

What do you like most about this career? Is there anything you wish should change in this line?

I do wish people stop using art as a money-making machine. But the passion to preserve history and understand its value in the present and future is the best part. Give me any art object and I can tell you a lot about the time it comes from.

Author: Rahat Bano (HT Horizons)

Date: 31st December, 2010

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