Established in the year 1875, Mahant Ghasi Memorial Museum is located in Raipur, capital of Chhattisgarh. This museum was built by Raja Mahant Ghasidas of Rajnandgaon consequential to a surge of awareness regarding the preservation of archaeological heritage. It occupies a land of almost 2 hectares. It is one of the famous museums in Chhattisgarh and is amongst the 10 oldest museums in India.
Architectural design of the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum
This museum was established as a historical octagonal building, typical of the British architectural style. The dome of the building resembles the British crown. It has 2 floors and 5 galleries. A library is also built in the museum. Both the museum and the library are located in the same building.
Galleries of the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum
The entire gamut of the collection in the museum includes carvings, kalachuri sculptures, weapons, ancient coins, Buddhist bronzes, inscriptions and clothes and ornaments that were being used by the different tribes of Chhattisgarh.
More specifically, the diverse collection of the museum is preserved in various galleries. The Archeological Gallery exhibits a rich collection of the articles and artifacts that were used during the Stone Age. The Sculpture Gallery exhibits stone carved idols of Gods and Goddesses. Other galleries of the museum are the Natural History Gallery, the Anthropology Gallery, the Tribal Gallery and the Ancient Arms and Armory Gallery. Different types of objects of anthropology and natural history are preserved here. The museum also houses arts, crafts and paintings. The first floor has objects related to nature and its history containing various birds, mammals and snakes.
Library in the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum
The library in the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum has rich collection of books related to various subjects like arts, science, religion, literature, history, archeology and philosophy. The library also subscribes to various Hindi and English magazines and newspapers.
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 the memory of Mahant Sarveshvardas. Currently in this building, activities of Mahakosal Art gallery are functional.
Visiting Information
Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum is located near D. K. Hospital in Raipur. Nearest airport to the museum is Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur. CSRTC buses, private buses and vehicles are available from other cities when one is on a tour to Raipur and the Museum.
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