Mumbai, April 17:
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya has opened a new exhibition showcasing some of the world’s earliest tools and weapons, giving visitors a rare opportunity to explore the beginnings of human civilisation. The exhibition, titled “The Stone Age: Journey Through Time,” will remain open to the public for the next three years.
The display brings together artefacts from different phases of prehistory, including the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods. Among the most notable exhibits is a 2.5-million-year-old stone tool discovered at Olduvai Gorge, considered one of the earliest known tools used by humans. Visitors can also see a variety of ancient implements such as hand axes, blades, and scrapers collected from regions like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Sindh, and even parts of Mesoamerica.
These objects offer insight into how early humans lived, hunted, and adapted to their surroundings, highlighting the gradual evolution of tool-making techniques over thousands of years.
The exhibition also explores the artistic side of early human life. Displays inspired by the Bhimbetka rock shelters showcase prehistoric cave art, while a rare engraved plaque from France depicting animals like horses and reindeer reflects early forms of symbolic expression. Experts note that such findings underline the creative and cultural capabilities of early humans alongside their survival skills.
Developed in collaboration with global institutions such as the British Museum, the exhibition features a diverse collection of artefacts from across the world. The initiative also aims to highlight India’s rich prehistoric heritage, which has often received limited attention in mainstream museum displays.
In addition to the Stone Age gallery, the museum has introduced a new Assyrian section featuring relics from ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia and Egypt. One of the key attractions is Mumbai’s only known mummy, expected to draw strong interest from visitors.
Museum officials say the exhibition is designed to provide a deeper understanding of human origins and the journey of civilisation. By combining tools, weapons, and early art forms from different regions, the display presents a comprehensive narrative of humanity’s earliest innovations and cultural development.
