Kashmir citizen dedicates part of his house for museum

Rawal Pora(J-K), Apr 27 (ANI): A man in Kashmir has dedicated part of his house for a museum housing dozens of rare books, manuscripts, coins, costumes, utensils and surgical instruments used by his ancestors.60-year-old, Hakeem Gulam Jeelani, is known as the 'museum man of Kashmir valley' because he has devoted part of his house with ancient and attractive collection, which he has for many decades. Hakeem collection at Jeelani's Rawal Pora suburb residence is a showcase of ancient heritage.

Jeelani has preserved his museum in an orderly manner because it mostly houses the collections that are related to Kashmir's past history, tradition and culture.The books on Unani medicine authored by his ancestors who were famous hakeems of their time inspired Jeelani, a retired bureaucrat, to start collecting the artefacts.The museum showcases dozens of rare books, manuscripts, coins, costumes, utensils and of-course the surgical instruments used by Jeelani's ancestors.

Jeelani's aim is to educate the people about the rich past and heritage of Kashmir.

"I want that the youth should know where they actually belong to. Our past was very rich," he said.Meanwhile, Jeelani's son, who along with his sister is also helping his father to maintain their ancestor's gift, said that he was proud of his birth in the family where ancient culture is so rich.

"I am feeling very good for being a part of this family which owns a museum. I am very thankful to Allah that I was born in this family. I came to know about my family's origin and how we developed so much," said Najeed Jeelani, son of Jeelani.

Hakim's collections includes around 150 rare books some of them over two centuries old, 100 manuscripts, coins of different eras in various forms like sliver and brass. Besides, there are traditional costumes, utensils and surgical instruments.

Hakim's private museum is a tribute to his ancestors. By Afzal Butt (ANI)