This science project describes the Birla Science Museum located in Pilani, India. The museum was established privately by the Birla family in the late 19th century to showcase the scientific and technological progress in India. The museum contains several galleries including the Human Biology Gallery, Electronics Gallery, Mining Gallery, Arms and Weapon Gallery, Space Gallery, and Science Gallery. Each gallery depicts a different field of science through sculptures, illustrations, demonstrations and models. The museum aims to educate visitors on the evolution of science and technology in India.
2. Contents
• About the Museum
• Galleries of the museum
(i) Human Biology Gallery
(ii) Electronics Gallery
(iii) Mining Gallery
(iv) Arms and Weapon Gallery
(v) Space Gallery
(vi) Science Gallery
3. About the Museum
Birla Museum Pilani
• Birla’s, who have been known as one of the leading industrialists of India
decided to establish the first museum which would showcase the scientific
and technological progress of the Indian human race. The Birla’s were
interested in showing the human race how science and technology has
developed in India over years and how industries have led to a rapid
growth, which is parallel to the development in other countries all over the
world.
• Pilani is a town in Rajasthan which was commonly known as the “university
town”. All the major educational institutions and technological educational
institutions were built in this location and hence the name. The Birla’s made
no exception and established the first science, technology and industrial
museum in India. The science and technology museum at Pilani was
established by the Birla’s towards the latter part of the 19th century. It still
stands tall as the only science museum in the whole of India. The building of
the museum is on a huge university campus which is about 200kms west of
Delhi. The unique feature of the Birla Museum, Pilani is that it is the only
museum in the entire sub-continent, whose sponsorship is done privately
by the Birla’s while the other museums which have later developed are all
government aided.
4. Galleries of the Museum
• Human Biology Gallery
This particular gallery depicts the scientific evolution of man based
on Darwin’s theory. It has sculptures, illustrations and also murals
done on the wall which would make people understand the gradual
evolution of man, better.
• Electronics gallery
This gallery puts forward the fascinating and mysterious world of
electronics and explains to people how these electronics have made
our lives much easier. It proudly houses the first ever robot based on
micro-processing technology. Another attraction of this gallery is the
musical fountain which is controlled simply through a keyboard.
5. • Mining Gallery
The mining gallery depicts how minerals and other geological items are
extracted from below the earth and how the whole process of mining is done.
The gallery has a life-size coal mine, demonstrations of minerals, information
about various geological materials and also maps showing places where
minerals are available in India and the world.
• Arms and Weapon Gallery
The arms and weapon gallery houses the variety of indigenous and
impressive collection of the arms and weapons of historic value that were
mainly used by the Rajputs during their rule. An exhibit has been especially
dedicated to the Rajput king Maharana Pratap which makes it a visual treat
for people to watch him fight with Chetak at Haldi-Ghati with special audio
and visual effects.
6. • Space Gallery
This gallery depicts the whole of space with models and sculptures which give
people the illusion of a real space. The ceiling of the room has been transformed
into sky with stars, satellites and planets moving all around replicating their exact
position in the real sky. It gives information about the space with the help of
posters and the gallery also has a special demonstration of Rakesh Sharma, the first
Indian astronaut, going to space.
• Science Gallery
This gallery has been dedicated to exhibit general scientific and technological
ideas which would help children to grow interest in science and development
with the help of these lifelike demonstrations. It showcases technological
models on heat, sound, light, metals and many other scientific aspects.