Art Galleries & Museums

Mahakaushal Kala Vithika is an art gallery situated at Jaistambh in Chhattisgarh. Made of carved stones, it is an octagonal shaped building which itself makes the gallery different and attractive. The eight sides of the inner hall are designed in arch shape and the central hall has a huge pillar which provides the basic strength to the monument. Founded by Mahant Ghasidas, devoted ruler of Rajnandgaon, this building was converted into a museum in the year 1875 by the British government. Later in 1930 this museum was shifted to a new bigger building.

This museum is located near the D K Hospital in Raipur and was established by Raja Mahant Ghasidas of Rajnandgaon in the year 1875. The museum has two floors featuring five galleries and features different sections including archaeology, anthropology and natural history. Besides, it also displays crafts, jewelry, paintings and terracotta belonging to tribal culture. The museum also has an interesting library. The museum is open on all days from 1000 -1700 hrs except Mondays and Public Holidays.

A large collection of ancient inscriptions, images, coins, sculptures of historical importance are displayed in this museum.

Located in the office of the Anthropological Survey of India at Dharampura, the museum provides a perfect picture of the life-styles of various adivasi tribes in Bastar.

Established in the year 1987, Krishna Museum tries to depict the multi faceted personality of lord Krishna through the various artifacts from 1st Century AD to 11th Century AD. The museum displays various articles from all over India and it portrays the different aspects of Krishna’s persona like namely an incarnation of Vishnu, an astute statesman, an epic hero, a great philosopher and a supreme lover.

Run by the Salesian order of the Catholic Church, the Don Bosco Museum is a truly amazing repository of information on the entire North Eastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura. Located within the precincts of the Sacred Heart Church, Mawlai, the edifice iteself is shaped like a spiral and its distinct form is discernible from quite some distance away. It has an amazing collection of attire, accoutrements, weapons, ornamentation and rare photographs. This is also the largest cultural museum in the whole Asia.

The State of Meghalaya used to be the part of the state of Assam till 1972. Post separation the state has made conscious efforts to preserve and highlight its own identity through display of its tribal culture and heritage. This Museum is located within the State Central Library complex which is situated at Laichumiere. The lifestyle and cultural diversity of the tribes in Meghalaya especially the Khasi tribes have been elaborately displayed in the museum. The information regarding history, culture and social structures of these tribes is also available in the museum.

One of the most amusing sights even for an adult is to watch a delicate little butterfly land on hands and perform a balancing jig before it takes off again to regale another bystander. The Butterfly Museum at Riatsamthiah presents some of the finest and rarest species of butterflies and moths. The museum, had initiated the breeding program for butterflies with an eye on the mounting commercial market. However, the program has now developed into a full fledged Butterfly and moth anthology. The museum also provides a rare insight into the life cycles and habitat of these fragile mortals.

The museum, which is the representation of the tangible information of history, shows a display of the tribal heritage and the collection of the artifacts of the former Ningthourels of Manipur. Costumes of the common people and warriors, arms and weapons of the varied communities and relics and historical documents can be seen here. The priceless artifacts, documents and cultural heritage of a mentioned civilization can be first accessed through a Museum.

There are two small tribal museums at Tuibuong and Redcross Road.

The state of Nagaland has always been the epicenter of amalgamation of various tribes inhabiting the eastern region of India. The Kohima Museum was set up with an aim to provide the visitors a glimpse of the diverse tribal habitats and cultures.

The museum houses some of the rarest artifacts belonging to the different tribes inhabiting the state. The sixteen tribal groups that make up the tribes of Nagaland are represented amongst the others. The clan motifs, colorful traditional dresses, dialect, practices and traditions are displayed at the museum.