Indian Museum - Kolkata, India

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The Indian Museum in Kolkata is one of the oldest museums in the world. Established in 1814, it is regarded as the ninth oldest regular museum globally. The museum was later moved to its present building in 1878, where it continues to function today.

Dinosaur Skeleton and egg
The museum has more than thirty galleries displaying a wide range of art and historical objects. Like most large museums, it houses paintings, photographs, bronze icons, sculptures, fossils, skeletons of animals and birds, stamps, coins from different kingdoms and countries, weapons, and armour. However, what makes the Indian Museum particularly special are some rare exhibits that cannot easily be seen elsewhere in India.



One of the most fascinating sections of the museum is the Egyptian gallery, which contains a mummy believed to be around 4000 years old. Seeing an Egyptian mummy in India itself is quite an unusual experience and naturally attracts many visitors.

Another popular section displays the skeletons of prehistoric animals, including mammoths and dinosaurs, along with fossilised remains and even dinosaur eggs. These exhibits give visitors a glimpse into the distant prehistoric past.

Among the most historically important displays in the museum are the remains of the Bharhut Stupa. Bharhut is an ancient Buddhist site located in present-day Madhya Pradesh. The stupa is believed to have originally been built during the 3rd century BCE, possibly during the time of Emperor Ashoka, and later additions are attributed to the Sunga period. The beautifully carved railings and panels of the stupa were brought here and carefully reassembled inside the museum.

Interestingly, although it is called the Indian Museum, the building itself reflects Italian architectural style. The large colonial structure, with its impressive corridors and open courtyards, is also worth observing.

Altogether, the Indian Museum is an elegant and historically rich institution filled with rare artefacts. If you are visiting Kolkata, this museum is certainly a place that should not be missed.

Happy travelling.





Egyptian Mummy
Location: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Colootola, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016, India

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