India Post News Service

CHICAGO: At an event that captured the glamour of Mughal era, theIndo-American Heritage Museum (IAHM) presented a lecture by Dr. Madhuvanti Ghose, Asldorf Associate Curator of Indian, Southeast Asian, Himalayan and Islamic Art at the Chicago Art Institute.

The topic of her address at Ashyana Banquet Hall in Downers Grove last week was “Mughal Jewelry- the Spectacular World of Jodhaa Akbar.”

Dr. Padma Rangaswamy and Prem Sharma, both Board members of IAHM explained that the Museum, the first of its kind in the country, is a community-based, inclusive and secular institution, a place where visitors can better understand and experience the rich cultural heritage, fascinating immigrant history and contemporary developments that shape the lives of millions of Americans of Indian origin.

The event served to introduce IAHM to members of the Indian American community.IAHM has acquired its current formal structure and identity after more than 12 years of conducting programs at the Indo-American Center for school and university students, teachers and educators, tour groups and corporations, all with the enthusiastic support of community members.

It is now poised to launch its website which will house its interactive virtual museum and provide the public easy access to its rich array of artifacts, photographs and publications that tell the Indian American immigrant story, according to Prem SharmaIn her fascinating presentation on Mughal history and art, Dr. Ghose showed images of exquisitely detailed miniature paintings and intricately carved gems of this era that are stored in museums throughout the world. Many of these priceless objects are on display at the Art Institute, and she invited all members of the community to come and see these treasures for themselves.

She announced the construction of the new Modern Wing of the Art Institute, which will showcase the Asian and Ancient Arts including Indian, Himalayan and Islamic Arts. She asked the audience to watch for invitations to the opening of the new Asian Galleries, as they are unveiled in 2009.Participating vendors Presha’s Collection, Deepkala, Tiulika and Mon-Ami Jewelers offered jewelry, designer saris and hand painted glass pieces with gems inspired by Mughal designs for purchase just in time for Mother’s Day.

Valuable giveaways, including upper level memberships to the Art Institute and other prizes were distributed to lucky winners.The IAHM will continue to spread awareness of its mission, which is to promote understanding of the history, diversity and culture of Indian Americans. More such events are planned throughout Chicago land in collaboration with other premier cultural institutions.