Tourists inspired by Shimla’s Army Heritage Museum

SHIMLA - Tourists visiting the Army Heritage Museum in Shimla have said that they are quite inspired by the ancient and modern artifacts lodged inside it.

“Before I came over here, I never thought that the Army could be so inspiring. But I have come over here and I can see by looking at the weapons and by looking at the uniform, it motivates you to do something for your country,” said Reema, a tourist.

The heritage museum is a virtual history of the Indian Army right from ancient Indian wars and weaponry to accounts of recent battles.

Divided into various sections, tourists are given a birds eye view of the history of different Indian Army regiments.

The main hall of museum displays the ethos of Indian Army through the ages.

Warrior heroes, whose lives have been recorded, include Shivaji, Maharana Pratap, Tipu Sultan, Guru Gobind Singh, Rani Laxmibai, Field Marshal Cariappa and Field Marshal Manekshaw.

Letterboxes and Flags of Pakistan are also displayed with the surrender letter of Pakistan during the 1971 war.

A section on armaments places on record the evolution of weaponry, right from the bow and arrow, to swords, muzzleloaders, tank busters and AK-47s.

The museum has found favour with numerous tourists, many of whom have confessed to looking at the armed forces with new eyes.

“I feel that more such kind of museums should be made because younger generation finds many other things lucrative. But if more such kind of Army museums will be made then they will receive lots of knowledge from these museums, and will definitely motivate them to join the Army,” said Rajni Sharma, another tourist.

A section on uniforms showcases present day uniforms but there are also on display the pre-independence uniforms. The ties between the Indian Army and the Royal Nepal Army have been represented in the medals gifted by the Royal Army on display.By Hemant Chauhan (ANI)