If the captivating bronze dancing girl of Harappa denoted sophisticated early civilization, the stunning Sanchi Stupa symbolized the peak of Buddhist religion in India. If the world-renowned Taj Mahal was a testament to the wealth of the Mughal empire, Tipu's Tiger, an intricate, almost life-sized mechanical toy, represented the king of Mysore's resistance against the East India Company. Ranging from the extraordinary to the ordinary, from the remarkable to the traditional, these objects capture moments, reflect changes, and remain grounded in the many lived realities of India.