Mumbai, India - Feb. 12, 2026: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), in collaboration with The Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, organized the University Academic Programme for Indian Universities from 12–15 February 2026 at CSMVS.Affiliated with the Cambridge Global Humanities Initiative, the programme explores the theme “Networks of the Past: India and the Ancient World” through its landmark study gallery, which features over 450 archaeological objects from Indian and international museums. On the first day of the programme, distinguished scholars guided faculty members from universities across India. Among the keynote speakers was Dr. Qin Cao, Curator of Chinese Collections at the Oriental Museum, Durham University, who delivered an insightful session on ancient Chinese history, enriching participants’ understanding of cross-cultural connections in the ancient world. The four-day academic initiative aims to foster deeper scholarly engagement with museum collections and encourage dialogue on India’s historical links with global civilizations. in Mumbai, India, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. (Photo by Anshuman Poyrekar/Hindustan Times) (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT Photo)
The Gujeratis [Gujaratis] took special interests in the civil disobedience movement because the Mahatma requested their support. Here’s a group of young Gujeratis [Gujarati] women carring [carrying] sea water to their respective homes for the purpose of making salt. Photo taken 15th March 1930.” Gelatin Silver Print, 114 x 164 mm. (Photographing Civil Disobedience, Bombay 1930-31, published by Alkazi Collection of Photography in association with Mapin Publishing)
Padmashri Gorakshkar was one of the few museum professionals in the country in the ’80s, says Sabyasachi Mukherjee, current director of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj museum (CSMVS).
Bilwa Kulkarni led several people through the India and the World show at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj museum and says kids had the most interesting questions. They wondered how Greek statues reached India without airplanes, and asked whether Stone Age tools were used ‘to kill people’.
