AN INITIATIVE OF CRAFT REVIVAL TRUST.  Since 1999
State Museum, Bhopal

State Museum, Bhopal

State Museum, Bhopal

Banganga Marg
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
India

E: http://www.mparchaeology.org/statemus.asp

Inaugurated in November 2005, this State Museum was earlier known as Bhopal Museum. It has 17 galleries displaying pre-historic articles and fossils, excavated objects, sculptures, epigraphs, manuscripts, paintings, royal collection, textiles, documentary heritage of princely states of Madhya Pradesh – especially regarding freedom movement, miniatures, coins, rare musical instruments, arms and weapons depicting the unique heritage of Madhya Pradesh.

About the collection: As a characteristic icon of Shunga art, Yakshi in a lotus medallion from 2nd century B.C is represented. It was also exhibited at the Festival of India in 1982, London. The sculptures of Ravananugraha and Chamunda form an important part of its collection which was also seen at the Festival of India in Washington D.C. and Paris in 1984 and 1985 respectively. The musical instruments, 56 literature, paintings, weapons, coins and textiles in its collection represent its centuries old wealth. Palm leaf manuscripts represent epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata while also showcasing the aspects of medical sciences. A major collection of 16th and 17th Century manuscripts, mostly in Sanskrit, form core of the rich repository. The textiles and fine embroidery such as jardozi and dabka work patronised by the Nawabs of Bhopal, acquired the status of the fine art form in Bhopal.