Monday, December 22, 2008

Rajasthan Museums एंड Art Galleries

Museums and Art Galleries in Rajasthan: Museums in Ajmer, Museums in Alwar, Museums in Bharatpur, Museums in Chittorgarh, Museums in Jaipur, Museums in Jodhpur, Museums in Jaisalmer, Museums in Kota, Museums in उदैपुर

Ajmer Government Museum
Situated in the heart of old city and close to the railway station the museum is housed in the beautiful fort and palace built by the Mughal Emperor Jahagir in 1616. What is today commonly known as Magazine is the palace quarters where the emperors lived. After the British occupation in 1818 and during the first world war of Independence in 1857 it was used as the Rajputana Arsenal by the British which gave the name magazine.

Alwar Government Museum
House in the old city place, it has a unique collection of arms, bidri work acquered and ivory work, musical instruments, stuffed animals, beautiful brass and pottery works from Jaipur, Multan, Bengal and Ceylon, miniature paintings and Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts.

Amber (Jaipur) Archaeological Museum
Located in the Dil-e-A-aram Gardens, of Amer, the ancient capital of Jaipur, and established in 1949. Prior to this, the escavated material from Rairh, Bairat, Sambhar, Nagar etc. and the sculptures and epigraphs collected from various sites in the erstwhile Jaipur State were housed at Vidyadhar Gardens in Purana Ghat.

Virat Nagar Museum
Virat Nagar museum Virat Nagar was the capital of the legendary Matsayadesh. Frequent refences of Matsayadesh have been made in the Indian epic- the Mahabharat. In the epic period, the area around the district of Jaipur, Alwar and Bharatpur came to be known as Matsayadesh with Virat Nagar as its capital. The museum, although not very large has the richest collection.

Bharatpur Government Museum
Located in the centre of the famous Lohagarh Fort, the Bharatpur Museum houses a rich collection of archaeological wealth of the nearby areas as well as from the old Bharatpur State.

Bikaner Fort Museum
Ganga Mahal, the imposing halls added by Maharaja Ganga Singh, now houses the Fort Museum. It contains a fine collection of antique Rajput weaponry, jade handle daggers, camel hide dhals (shiedls) and inliad handguns and camel guns.Gold and siliver howdahs, jhulas, palkis and a first world war biplane are on view.

Shri Sardul Museum and Anup Library
Forts of the early 20th century Lallgarh Palace have been converted as a Museum containing a large numbers of items used and collected by Maharaja Ganga Singh and his successors.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
Ganga Mahal, the imposing halls added by Maharaja Ganga Singh, now houses the Fort Museum। It contains a fine collection of antique Rajput weaponry, jade handle daggers, camel hide dhals (shields) and inlaid handguns and camel guns.

Ajmer Government Museum
The Museum was started in 1908 by the Government of India with the object of collecting and preserving many unique objects of antiquarian interest which were lying uncared for and scattered all over Rajasthan।
Ajmer Government Museum is housed in the beautiful fort and palace that was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1570. It was here that the British envoy Sir Thomas Roe first met Emperor Jahangir in 1616.

The Museum was started in 1908 by the Government of India with the object of collecting and preserving many unique objects of antiquarian interest which were lying uncared for and scattered all over Rajasthan. Today, the museum houses some of the important exhibits from all the princely States while its library contains rare books and important historical publications.

The museum's main sections are devoted to Sculptures, epigraphs, Proto-historic antiquities, Arms and Weapons। In addition, artifacts from Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpara and other exhibits lying in various go-downs further form a large reserve collection.

Alwar Government Museum

The Alwar Government Museum popularly known as the City Museum is located within the complex of the Old City Palace।

Alwar is one of the most popular holiday destinations of Rajasthan. Alwar is positioned approximately 150 kms from Jaipur and 170 kms from Delhi. It features some great tourist attractions, such as Alwar Government Museum, Bala Quila Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri etc. Experience the culture and tradition of Alwar by planning a trip to Alwar Government Museum in Alwar, India. If you are worried about the accommodations then do not bother. You would be provided with varied range of hotels. Thus, you may choose in accordance with your budget and requirements.

Indian Holiday offers complete online information about Alwar Government Museum. It is positioned in the old city place. Alwar Government Museum features a great collection of arms, bidri work acquered and ivory work. It also features musical instruments, stuffed animals, miniature paintings, manuscripts etc. If you love pottery works, then Alwar Government museum is ideal, as it features pottery works from varied places, such as Jaipur, Multan, Bengal and Ceylon.

There are three major sections of Alwar Government Museum. First section of Alwar Government Museum features archaeological finds. Second section features several manuscripts, whereas third section offers armory of State rulers, such as swords, pistols, rifles, daggers etc.

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an exciting vacation package to Alwar Government Museum, Alwar India।

Bharatpur Museum

Located in the centre of the famous Lohagarh Fort, the Bharatpur Museum houses a rich collection of archaeological wealth of the nearby areas as well as from the old Bharatpur State।

Located in the centre of the famous Lohagarh Fort, the Bharatpur Museum houses a rich collection of archaeological wealth of the nearby areas as well as from the old Bharatpur State. It is a fine fusion of Mughals and Rajput architecture and was built in various phases by different maharajas. The magnificent apartments are richly decorated with patterned floor tiles having exquisite and intricate designs. The building Kamra Khas, within the fort, has been converted into a museum displaying a rich collection of antiquities, exquisite sculptures and some ancient inscription.

The huge palatial building Kachahari kalan, once the administrative block of the rulers of Bharatpur state, was converted into a Museum in 1944 AD। Later on, the Kamra Khas (personal chamber) building on the first floor was added to the museum. It exhibits sculptures found during the escavation of old villages e.g. Noh, Mallah, Bareh, Bayana etc. ranging from the Kushan period (Ist century A.D.) to 19th century A.D. Weapons used in battles in the medieval period the Jat rulers, paintings, manuscripts, zoological specimens, localart and carft that was once Bharatpur.

Prachina Museum

It contains a fine collection of antique Rajput weaponry, jade handle daggers, camel hide dhals (shiedls) and inliad handguns and camel guns।

The state of Bikaner has always boasted of a glorious history coupled with an equally varied cultural fabric. Keeping this in mind, the daughter of the present Maharaja of Bikaner set up the Prachina Museum in October 2000. The museum is a sincere effort to recreate Bikaner's rich past and showcase it to the world. Ever since its inception, the Prachina Museum has always endeavored to revive the dying craft of Bikaner and amalgamate it to the present life.

As you tour the wonderful Prachina Museum, you will be treated to the wonderful sight of royal costumes, rich textiles, antiques, traditional crafts, carved wooden furniture, rugs, crockery and so on. In fact, each and every object on display harks back Bikaner's royal past that is sure to amaze many. Besides, you will also be able to feast your eyes on numerous decorative items and elaborately done portraits that occupy the pride of place at the Prachina Museum.

Apart from showcasing Bikaner's rich past, the Prachina Museum also gives you valuable information about the present Bikaner and how it has taken modernity and progress in its stride. Located quite close to the impressive Junagarh Fort, the Prachina Museum also offers a great platform to many local artists to showcase their work and get the acclaim they rightly deserve.

The Prachina Museum is a great way to view Bikaner at its past and present best। In fact, this juxtaposition is a very interesting way to know a city that has always managed to capture the hearts of many with its sheer variety and color. Enjoy this and more with Rajasthan Wildlife Tour.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum

Explore royal treasures at the Ganga Government Museum in Bikaner with Indian Horizons। Also known as the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum.

Explore royal treasures at the Ganga Government Museum in Bikaner . Also known as the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, the Ganga Government Museum in Bikaner.Maharaja Ganga Singhji founded this great cultural center, it was a small red sandstone building positioned close to Lalgarh Palace.

Originally established near the Lalgarh Palace in 1937 on the eve of the Golden jubilee celebrations of Maharaja Ganga Singh, this museum in Bikaner was shifted to a new building in the Civil lines in 1954। The main exhibits of the museum can be classified as local arts and crafts of the region, sculptures, terracotta and bronze items, arms and weapons, miniatures and litho prints of the British interpretation of the war of Independence of 1857.

Hawa Mahal Museum

Hawa Mahal or the ‘Palace of Winds’ was built in 1799 by the poet king Sawai Pratap Singh for the royal ladies to enjoy the procession and day to day activities from the coll confinement of this majestic façade।

Hawa Mahal is the most popular monument of Jaipur, located in the Tripolia Bazaar in the west of GPO. Hawa Mahal or "The Palace of Winds"was built in 1799 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh (grand son of Sawai Jai Singh and son of Sawai Madhoo Singh) and Mr. Lal Chand Usta was the architect. Sawai Pratap Singh was a great devotee of Lord Krishna and he dedicated this mahal to the Lord. The exterior wall of Hawa Mahal looks like a mukut (crown), which adorns Lord Krishna's head.

Constructed in pink sandstone, Hawa Mahal is intricately carved and bordered with white motives। Motifs and carvings designed on the walls of the Hawa Mahal are proof of the efforts, dedication and skillfulness of the artists of that period.

Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum

Jaisalmer is named after its founder Rawal Jaisal (see History)। Jaisalmer means the Hill Fort of Jaisal. Jaisalmer is also called as the Golden city of India because the yellow sand gives a yellowish-golden touch to the city & its surrounding area.

The Mehrangarh Museum Jodhpur

Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort Museum is one of the finest museums in Rajasthan. It is beautifully laid out. It has a palanquin section where you can see a wide collection of old royal palanquins.

The Mehrangarh Museum Trust was settled in March, 1972 by His Highness The Maharaja Gaj Singh II with the principal objective of setting up a world class museum in Jodhpur. It was intended that this museum eventually house and display the Maharaja's substantial collections; of miniature paintings, portraits, books and manuscripts, weapons, textiles and tents, elephant howdahs and palanquins, and various objets' d art.

The Trust was duly registered with the Government of Rajasthan in 1974 and commenced functioning in earnest in the same year with the Maharaja as its Managing Trustee। At the same time the Maharaja placed his ancestral fortress, the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, at the disposal of the new Trust directing it to develop and establish the planned museum within the fort premises itself. This was a significant and far-sighted direction since the fort eminently serves the purpose, not only in terms of historicity and authenticity, but also keeping in mind the security and care of the collections. Needless to say the conservation, and restoration where necessary, of the magnificent architecture of the fort itself was also a prime consideration behind this decision.

Kota Government MuseumKota is the industrial hub of Rajasthan & has an atomic power plant. It is situated on the banks of Chambal river & famous for its fort & dams.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SECTION
Sculpture : The museum possesses several hundred sculptures from different cultural centres of the region. Generally, the sculptures belong to the period from the 8th to the 12th century AD though early specimens of the Gupta period (4th to 5th century AD) can also be seen. Sculptures worth mentioning are Shesh Sayi Vishnu from Badoli (Chittaurgarh), Jain image of Vardhaman from Baran and a dancing pair from Ramgarh.

Inscription :A few inscriptions are displayed in the museum. Yupa pillars from Badwa are very important specimens of 3rd century AD showing the popularity of Vedic rites.

Coins: Coins discovered from various sites of Kota region are preserved and displayed in the numismatic section. Most of the coins belong to the Mughal period and a few of them to the Rajput period.

PAINTING SECTION
Several miniature paintings of Bundi, Kota, Nathdwara and Jaipur schools are preserved in the museum। Paintings of Shrimad Bhagwat of the early 17th century are most attractive from the point of view of workmanship.

Kota Archaeological Museum

The archaeological section of the museum consists of various sculptures, some dating back to the Gupta period(4th century).

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SECTION
Sculpture : The museum possesses several hundred sculptures from different cultural centres of the region. Generally, the sculptures belong to the period from the 8th to the 12th century AD though early specimens of the Gupta period (4th to 5th century AD) can also be seen. Sculptures worth mentioning are Shesh Sayi Vishnu from Badoli (Chittaurgarh), Jain image of Vardhaman from Baran and a dancing pair from Ramgarh.

Inscription :A few inscriptions are displayed in the museum. Yupa pillars from Badwa are very important specimens of 3rd century AD showing the popularity of Vedic rites.

Coins: Coins discovered from various sites of Kota region are preserved and displayed in the numismatic section. Most of the coins belong to the Mughal period and a few of them to the Rajput period.

PAINTING SECTION
Several miniature paintings of Bundi, Kota, Nathdwara and Jaipur schools are preserved in the museum। Paintings of Shrimad Bhagwat of the early 17th century are most attractive from the point of view of workmanship.

Udaipur City Palace Museum

Udaipur, City Guide facilitates its visitors to come closer to the ethnic India tourism, by visiting to the royal City Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan। Udaipur City Palace is one of the largest palaces in the world, encompassing some of the magnificent architectural splendors like City Palace Museum.

Introduction
The City Palace is built over the Pichola Lake in Udaipur. The City Palace was originally built by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan but later the succeeding Maharanas added several palaces and structures and developed the palace. This gorgeous palace stands white and is set on a majestic hill. This palace is a blend of medieval European and Chinese architecture and has a number of remarkable buildings, gardens and fountains of immense beauty.

Architecture of the City Palace
The palace is overwhelmed with balconies, towers and cupolas and there are fine views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces. The interiors of City Palace presents a graceful beauty due to lavish use of marble, mirror work, frescoes, wall paintings, colored glass, fluted columns, inlay work and silver doors. There are many relics and decorative items in the City Palace. There are beautiful examples of old porcelain, glass and tiles as well as the wonderful mosaic of silver leaves and precious stones that reflect images of the lake when looked at from the right angle.

The City Palace is surrounded by walls for battlements। The City Palace can be reached through three gateways. The entry to the palace is from the Hathi Pol or the Elephant gate. At the entrance to the place museum, there is a genealogical chart whose floor-to-ceiling immensity traces the rule of the 76 Maharanas of Mewar, from 734 AD. The Bari Pol or the Big gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple gate. It is a triple arched gate which was built in 1725. It was once a custom that the Maharana would weigh under this gate in gold and silver, which was distributed to the populace. Balconies, cupolas and towers surmount the palace which give a wonderful view of the Pichola lake. Suraj Gokhada or the balcony of the sun is the place where the Maharana would grant public audiences mainly to boost the morale of the people in difficult times. The Mor Chowk is the peacock square and gains its name from the vivid blue mosaic in glass of a peacock that decorates its walls. The rooms of the palace are superbly decorated with mirror tiles and paintings.

Udaipur Government Museum

Museum of Udaipur peeps into the glorious past of the Royal city। Grab more information about popular Art Museums in Udaipu.

Udaipur is a majestic city that presents artifacts of the bygone age by the means of museums. These museums peep into the ancient times of the imperial city. If you have planned to come to the city of Udaipur, then take out some time to visit the art museums of Udaipur. These museums are made to preserve the priceless objects of the noble kings. Various museums of Udaipur offer a glimpse of the items that used to be the part of the regal lifestyle. Udaipur Government is making constant efforts to preserve the artifacts of the previous age. If you are keen to know about the glorious past, these museums would be of great interest for you.

City Palace Museum is one the popular museums of Udaipur, revealing the work of art. Ahar Archeological Museum is another museum possessing the antiques that dates back to the 10th century. We have discussed this museum in our article of Ahar under the section of Excursions. Museum at Gulab Bagh is one more museum that is covered under the article of Gulab Bagh. Even, the famous Bagore Ki Haveli has a museum, where you can trace the paintings and sculptures of the former age. Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal is a genuine effort to keep the arts and crafts alive. Know more about these museums in detail in the following articles.

Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum

Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum is one of the most famous museums of Udaipur, exhibiting the brilliant collection of folk articles of Rajasthan। This rare compilation varies from typical rural-dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings.

Albert Hall Museum Jaipur

Central Museum or the Albert Hall lies in the Ram Niwas Garden। It is a vast and verdant garden housing a zoo, a greenhouse, an aviary, a museum and a sports ground.

This museum is supposed to be the oldest museum of the state. Colonel Sir Swinton Jacob designed it in 1876 to greet King Edward VII as Prince of Wales on his visit to India. It was opened to public ten years later. Positioned amidst the gardens of Ram Niwas Bagh in Jaipur, this museum has an assortment of rare articles on its display including textiles, carpets, paintings, metal and wood crafts, pottery, arms and weapons, flora and fauna of the state, toys, dolls and even an Egyptian mummy that belongs to the Ptolemaic Epoch. It is also known for housing the famous carpet, which portrays the scene of a Persian garden carpet with running water streams that was bought at a dear price from Shah Abbas of Persia, by Mirza Raja Jai Singh I. It also puts on show the miniature paintings of a number of sub-schools of Rajasthan.

The galleries on the ground floor of the museum have been completely remodeled and restructured since 1959 in an attempt to depict the uniqueness of the dresses and jewellery of all the classes and tribes of Rajasthani people including the privileged class that mainly consists of Rajputs and the merchant class. It includes the lifestyle of the tribals such as Meenas, Bhopas, Bhils, Gadoliya Lohars and many more. One gallery has also been committed to the henna body art of Rajasthan, popularly called as 'Mehndi Mandana', which makes an exhibition of the typical Rajasthani motifs and designs that are so well recognized as ethnic all over the world. Puppets and Phad paintings (the painted scrolls depicting the life of Pabuji Rathore, who was a great folk-hero from Marwar) occupies yet another gallery of the museum. The highlights of the museum, however, are displayed in its central gallery, which is completely devoted to the Rajasthani music and dance forms.

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