The models were created nearly 30 years ago by an artiste from Orissa. Former chairperson of the department, Prof Shalina Mehta said, “The museum shows the biological and social aspect in the evolution of humans. The models depicts the physical transformations, while artefacts and tools showcase his transformation from food gatherer to hunter.”

The department has also discovered primate and other mammalian fossils from the Shivaliks such as Sivapithecus, Gigantopithecus, Krishnapithecus etc.

The museum was initially housed in the department building. It was shifted to another building, nearly a decade ago.

The curator of the museum Gayathiri Pathmanathan said, “When the models was initially designed, most models resembled Hanuman. However, the final designs were realistic. The museum is a storehouse of information.”