As we stumbled upon the Museum Of Material Memory– a virtual museum on Instagram, we realised that every materialistic possession tells a story. The concept of this virtual museum revolves around documenting and tracing family histories through objects.
This virtual museum collects pictures of objects and artifacts that have been passed down several generations. These pictures are then posted on social media platforms with the owner’s story as the caption.
On the occasion of Independence Day, we’ve managed to handpick artifacts that beautifully narrate stories from the partition.
Jailed for participating in the Quit India Movement, Shri Haveli drafted a letter, requesting for a 2 month-long parole, to attend his daughter’s wedding.
Tilak Raj dropped out of BHU to participate in the Quit India Movement.
After migrating from East Pakistan, a 10-year-old wrote a letter to his father, requesting him to send his certificates for school admissions.
This couple belonging to two different sets of ideologies, pasts and cultures came together with the partition.
Binda Saran a.k.a Rai Bahadur showing His Excellency, The Governor of Punjab, Sir Bertrand James Glancy the flower beds in their home garden.
Image of freedom fighters being chained for participating in the Quit India Movement.
Subedar Sardar Singh was honoured with various medals for his service in the No.1 Bengal Mountain Battery Regiment.
Living in the barracks of Kingsway refugee camp, Bhag Malhotra saved up money to get this Surmedani from Chandni Chowk.
To protect himself from the communal riots that broke out in Lahore, Mian Baljit Singh brought this 4 feet long sword that weighs over 12 kgs.
Shanta Boora purchased this Kirpan from a Gurudwara in Daryaganj, the values of this artifact lies in the horrors of partition.
From the mountains of Multan to the sultry streets of Delhi, this lock has survived over a hundred years.
A traditional 3-feet-tall Maasina Battalu Peti i.e a laundry case.
A 31-inches-long, hand made chatte molded out of brass.
A coin collection that dates back to 1919, a few of which belong to the pre-war era.
Coins showcased from 1904 to 1947, displayed in chronological order.
An old baagh brought from the other side of the border, before the partition is now an heirloom that’s passed on to generations.
A menu card from R.M.S Queen Mary, dated back to November 1947.
If you possess an inherited vintage artifact that tells a story, you can contact the virtual museum here.