Location & History
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Located inside the scenic Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, founded in 1920 and moved to its current building in 1962, with the foundation stone laid by Jawaharlal Nehru.
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Originally established as the Bharatiya Lalit Kala Parishad and later renamed when transferred to BHU.
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First honorary chairman was Rabindranath Tagore, with Rai Krishnadasa leading its transformation and curation over decades.
Collection & Galleries
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Home to over 100,000 artifacts, including archaeological finds, paintings, textiles, costumes, philately, and literature.
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Explore dedicated galleries such as the Nicholas Roerich Gallery, Archaeological Gallery, Chhavi (Painting) Gallery, Decorative Art, Textile, Numismatic, and a special Alice Boner Gallery added in 1989.
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Notable exhibits include:
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Bronze and stone Hindu & Buddhist sculptures
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Mughal, Rajasthani, Gujarati & Pahari miniature paintings
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A prominent statue of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhana Hill
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Rare coins, ivory ware, terracotta beads, and detailed textile craft.
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Why It Matters
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One of India’s premier university museums, consistently ranked among the top nationally.
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Offers a comprehensive visual journey through Indian cultural history—from ancient to colonial times .
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Receives praise from luminaries—Mahatma Gandhi admired its collection; Rabindranath Tagore and Rai Krishnadasa shaped its vision
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Embraces modern sustainability with solar-powered lighting and climate control initiatives.
Visitor Essentials
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Timings | Typically open daily (except Mondays); check BHU site for updated hours |
| Entry Fee | Nominal (e.g., ₹5 Indian, ₹40 foreign; confirm on-site) |
| Ideal Visit Duration | 1–2 hours to comfortably explore key galleries |
| Access Info | Located ~2.3 km from BHU main gate; accessible by campus shuttle, auto, or taxi |