About Atiqa Bano
The Meeras Mahal Museum of Ethnography was set-up and curated over many years by an extraordinary, resolute and devoted woman of Kashmir – Atiqa Bano (1940-2017).
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Born in the historic town of Sopore in north Kashmir, to a highly respected family of learned men, she distinguished herself as an educationist, an activist and a conservation enthusiast. She would utilize her time, besides teaching, in identifying the objects and artifacts reflecting Kashmiri life and customs, especially those putting a spotlight on Kashmir’s uncaptured but highly evolved rural life, agricultural practices, customs, rituals, minor arts and traditional industries.
Over the years, her commitment and perseverance became the driving force behind establishing the Meeras Mahal Museum, meaning the ‘Heritage Palace’ Museum. The collection has been built over the years from personal contributions, rescued artifacts and even by door-to-door collection. The museum is thus a result of her dogged pursuit to preserve a significant part of our cultural history, especially material heritage, which otherwise was fading fast from the landscape and mindscape of people in Kashmir.
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Serving at senior positions in the Department of Education, she promoted and preserved the culture of her homeland and its people and after her retirement from the Government continued with her efforts that finally culminated in the establishment of the Museum in the year 2002.