Varsha PandeyThe Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, in the Culture Department premises of Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh.
It is one of the famous museums in Chhattisgarh and is amongst the 10 oldest museums in India.
In 1875, King Mahant Ghasidas of Rajnandgaon Princely states the Raipur Museum by constructing an octagonal building. Although at present the activities of Mahakaushal Kala Vithika are in this building.
Due to a lack of space due to the increase in the number of art objects over time.
the new museum building was constructed in 1953 and became famous as Mahant Ghasidas Museum.
6th-century sculpture Center of Attraction in Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum
At present, apart from the ground floor, the museum runs in a two-story building.
many sculptures of historical importance, old utensils, weapons, etc. are there.
Statues of the 6th century from Sirpur, Malhar, Ratanpur, Arang, Sisdevri, Deepadih, Bhoramdeo of Chhattisgarh, and Karitalai of Madhya Pradesh are there.
Among these, the Gupta era sculpture is the center of attraction in the Rudra Shiva statue of Tala and the idols of Sisdevari.
Hundreds of years old pottery in the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum
Earthen lamps, toys, kothis, Buddhist seed mantras from the Sirpur excavation, and ancient seals of the period of Kaushambi’s ruler Dhandeva are also in the museum.
The best metal statue in the museum is Bodhisattva Manjushri are there.
Copperplate in Brahmi script
Underlining the development of ancient writing art, copper letters written in Brahmi script, and Sanskrit language on the smooth surface of stone and thin sheets of copper are the documentary evidence of their era.
Along with this, coins of different dynasties, Kushan, Gupta, Sharabpuriya, Kalachuri, Mughal, Maratha, and British period are also kept.
Dead creatures dress like real
In the Wildlife Gallery, more than 100 dead wild animals are displayed by applying chemicals which look like real ones. Its purpose is to give information about wildlife to children. These include crow, parrot, owl, pigeon, cock, vulture, peacock, baya, leopard, cheetah, bear, wild boar, jackal, wild cat, langur, python etc.
Tableau of Chhattisgarh’s tribes and villages
Tribal communities of Chhattisgarh such as Maria, Gond, Korku, Oraon, Banjara lifestyle, clothing, jewellery, utensils, musical instruments, raincoats made of tree leaves, cloth made of bark, baskets of leaves, wooden combs, hairpins Things like ka pin, tobacco box are the center of attraction.
Music library
A library named Anunad is established in the museum premises itself. In this, audio cassettes of old songs, Chhattisgarhi forgotten songs, players have been stored.
Statues of Chhattisgarhi folk dance art will be installed soon
The ground floor has been air-conditioned in the three-floor museum. Chhattisgarhi folk dance craft will soon be displayed on the upper floor. Many dances like Sua dance, Karma dance, Panthi dance, Raut Nacha dance, Bastaria dance, Sargujia dance will be presented in these. Statues of dancing women and men made by the artists of Dhokra craft will be displayed here.
Year of establishment
1875
Location of Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum
Raipur
Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum is near D. K. Hospital in Raipur.
Built by
Raja Mahant Ghasidas
Catchment area of Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum
2 hectares
It is one of the famous museums in Chhattisgarh and is amongst the 10 oldest museums in India.
The architectural design of the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum
This museum is a historical octagonal building.
The British style of Architecture is a museum.
The dome of the building resembles the British crown.
It has 2 floors and 5 galleries.
A library is also in the museum.
Both the museum and the library are in the same building.
Revamp of the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum
After the establishment of the museum, the antiques to display increased significantly, thus calling for additional space and area.
As a result, another building was constructed in 1953 and was inaugurated by India’s first president Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Queen Jyoti Devi donated 1 lakh 50 thousand rupees, in the memory of Mahant Ghasidas, for the construction of the new building.
She also donated an additional amount of 50 thousand rupees for the establishment of a public library in memory of Mahant Sarveshvardas.
Currently in this building, activities of the Mahakosal Art Gallery are functional.
How to reach
By plane
The nearest airport to the museum is in Raipur.
CSRTC buses, private buses, and vehicles are available from other cities when one is on a tour to Raipur and the Museum.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Raipur station.
By Road
Panderi bus stand is the nearest one.
