Indian Museum



Indian Museum, Kolkata, West Bengal

Information on Indian Museum (Kolkata, West Bengal) - History & Architecture


Indian Museum is one of the biggest and eldest museums of entire Asian region. Situated in Kolkata, West Bengal, India Museum have infrequent assortment of antique objects, armours, stuffs, relics, skeletons, cadavers and various Mughal portraits. It was established by 'Asiatic Society of Bengal' in the year 1814. The creator of the museum was Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish botanist.

Indian Museum Architecture

Indian Museum comprises six segments which are further divided into 35 gallerias. The gallerias comprise units such as art, archaeology, anthropology, technology and zoology among others. It is a versatile institution having multidisciplinary activities and units. At present, Indian Museum is having enormous renovation and development activities for the purpose of visiting the attractions. It inhabits a splendid hall which demonstrates aspects such as Egyptian cadaver, Buddhist stupa, Ashoka pillar, frames of primeval animals and various collections of meteorites.

Indian Museum History

The history of the basis of Indian Museum is one of the notable occasions towards the expansion of heritage culture in India. With the footing of India Museum in the year 1814, the museum drive started progressing in the entire nation and since then, creation of museum got a new boost and great impetus. Construction of Indian Museum actually was the commencement of an important era which introduced the socio-cultural and scientific accomplishments of India. It is else regarded the inauguration of modernism and the end of feudal age.

Indian Museum was invented from the idea of Asiatic Society of Bengal in the year 1784. The members of the organisation developed the thought of having a museum where man developed objects along with natural items can be gathered, maintained and demonstrated for public view. Such initiative stared to appear attainable in the year 1808 when the organisation was provided appropriate housing by the Indian government. In the year 1814, Wallich wrote letter to the government in order to support the creation of the museum in Kolkata with two major sections namely archaeological and zoological. Accordingly the museum was created where Wallich himself contributed significant botanic samples from his private collection. In the year 1840, the Indian government took intense curiosity in other sections such as zoology and art among others which resulted in additional development of Indian Museum. Afterwards, with the increasing demand, new building was required and was planned by Walter R Granville. The construction of new building in Indian Museum was finished in the year 1875. In the year 1879, Indian Museum also received additional collections from various other organisations and individuals.

Indian Museum Tourism Importance

As one of the oldest museums in entire Asia, Indian Museum is certainly a great place for tourism. Its unique collection can attract tourists from all over the world. On visiting the museum, travellers can find about the history of progression of mankind, where every stage of progression has been portrayed excellently. The travellers can also come across the collection of life history and culture of Indian people, from prehistoric times to modern times in most beautiful way. Thus, Indian Museum is considered as a great attraction from tourism viewpoint where people can learn various aspects of Indian history. More of all, it gives an insight view of the historical past, which is well preserved in this Museum, from artifacts of antiquity. One can also enjoy the beauty of the ear gone by watching at the various instruments been preserved out here while found out during excavation and is put up for public viewing.