Welcome to the heart of Guwahati, the Assam State Museum stands as a beacon of heritage, embodying the rich tapestry of Assam’s history and traditions.
However, as one of the oldest museums in North East India, it serves as a repository of invaluable artifacts, offering visitors a captivating journey through time. Further, situated in the picturesque Dighalupukhuri area, its central Assam Museum makes it easily accessible to tourists and locals.
Boasting a diverse collection of artifacts spanning centuries, the Assam State Museum provides insight into the region’s art, culture, and lifestyle.
Moreover, each exhibit narrates a unique story, preserving the essence of Assamese identity at the Assam State Museum ticket price, from archaeological treasures to exquisite handicrafts. Whether exploring ancient sculptures or marveling at traditional textiles, visitors are immersed in a world of discovery and appreciation.
1. Origin of Assam State Museum, Guwahati
The Assam State Museum, located in Guwahati, has roots traced back to its foundation by the Kamarupa Anusandhan Samity. Established in 1940 with British patronage, it became a significant repository of Assam’s rich history.
Over Assam State Museum timings, the state government assumed control in 1953, ensuring its preservation and accessibility to the public. Furthermore, for a captivating journey through Assam’s past, the Assam Museum is an unparalleled destination. Housed within a colonial-style edifice spanning three floors, its extensive collection encompasses garments, weapons, paintings, sculptures, stones, copper artifacts, and even World War II memorabilia.
However, the museum is meticulously organized into various sections, including epigraphy, sculptures, natural history, folk art, crafts, musical instruments, paintings, and geology. Moreover, each section offers a glimpse into Assam’s diverse cultural and historical tapestry, making it a haven for enthusiasts eager to delve into the region’s artistry and heritage.
2. Kamarupa Anusandhana Samiti
Additionally, established in April 1912, the Kamarupa Anusandhana Samiti is a pioneering research society dedicated to exploring Assam’s rich cultural tapestry.
So, focusing on folk art, history, and literature, this esteemed institution laid the groundwork for what would later evolve into the renowned Assam Research Society.
However, spearheaded by the visionary Rai Bahadur Kanak Lai Barua, the society played a pivotal role in establishing the Assam State Museum, a testament to its commitment to preserving and showcasing the region’s vibrant heritage.
Through diligent research and passionate scholarship, the Kamarupa Anusandhana Samiti has contributed significantly to the understanding and appreciating Assam’s diverse cultural legacy. Today, the Assam Museum stands as a beacon of cultural heritage, thanks in part to the pioneering efforts of this esteemed organization, which furthers the well-known Assam traditional food name.
3. Galleries of Assam State Museum
The Assam State Museum is nestled in the heart of Guwahati! Housing an impressive collection of 13,802 artifacts, with 1,621 proudly on display, this cultural gem offers a fascinating into the rich heritage of Assam.
Furthermore, among these Assam State Museum essay, 42 masterpieces stand out, each telling a unique story of craftsmanship and tradition. Moreover, step into the Museum and various exhibits will greet you, including ivory paintings, sculptures, intricate metalwork, and exquisite wooden costumes. It’s a journey through time, where every artifact whispers tales of bygone eras and age-old customs.
4. The Sculpture Masterpieces
Step into the treasure trove of artistry at the Assam State Museum, where sculptures weave tales of ancient mastery. Delving into the Pre-Ahom era, the Museum proudly displays iconic pieces like Sura-Sundari and the glorious image of Vishnu from Barpeta. However, the Nataraja sculpture is a timeless marvel crafted in the revered Pala-Sena style.
Additionally, dating back to the 13th–14th century, the Ambari sculptures exude a distinct charm. But the allure doesn’t stop with stone; metallic sculptures grace the halls abundantly. Further, at the heart of this collection lies the Nataraja, the quintessential embodiment of cosmic dance, symbolizing creation and dissolution.
Within the Museum’s walls, three Nataraja sculptures, discovered along the Brahmaputra’s banks and at the Ambari excavation site, further enrich the narrative. So, the Government Museum impeccably showcases these artifacts with state-of-the-art facilities, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Assam’s rich artistic heritage.
5. Galleries in the Assam State Museum
The Assam State Museum boasts a rich tapestry of cultural narratives through its various galleries. However, the Freedom Fighter Gallery, for example, pays homage to the valiant souls who spearheaded India’s struggle for independence. Additionally, tourists are transported to pivotal historical moments through evocative images and memorabilia, honoring the sacrifices made for freedom.
For art enthusiasts, the Painting Gallery is a haven. It showcases the vibrant strokes of modern painters like Ramesh Ghosh and Mukta Gopinath Bordoloi. Each masterpiece tells a unique story, reflecting Assam’s artistic vibrancy.
Delving deeper into the region’s cultural mosaic, the Ethnography Gallery celebrates the diverse heritage of Assam’s tribal communities. Artifacts from tribes like the Bodos and Dimasa offer a glimpse into their rich traditions and way of life, preserving their legacies for future generations.
6. Collection at the Museum
However, the Assam State Museum’s history and culture are nestled in the heart of Assam. Divided into various captivating sections, each visit promises to unveil a new chapter of the region’s rich heritage.
Further, one of the highlights is the Manuscript Section, boasting ancient scripts like Assamese, Tai, and Myanmarese, ingeniously preserved on the bark of ancient trees.
Journeying through time, the Arms and Ammunition Section showcases a vast array of weaponry spanning from medieval swords to Mughal armors, alongside a remarkable collection from World War II and the unique arms of the Ahom dynasty.
Delve into prehistory with the Prehistoric Terracotta Section, unveiling artifacts from the Indus Valley civilization and terracotta wonders from Northeast India. For art enthusiasts, the Numismatics and Metallic Sculptures Section dazzles with metal relics of deities and coins from the Mughal and Ahom dynasties.
Stepping into the Epigraphy Section reveals stone and copper inscriptions spanning centuries. The Natural History Gallery offers a glimpse into the region’s biodiversity, including the majestic one-horn rhino. However, beyond artifacts witness the vibrant handicrafts and tribal huts embodying the essence of North-eastern India.
Since June 1984, the Conservation Lab diligently preserves and uncovers historical marvels, ensuring each visit is a journey through time and culture. Welcome to the Assam Museum, where history comes alive.
7. How To Reach
The rich cultural tapestry of Assam, a visit to the Assam State Museum is an absolute must. Nestled in the serene surroundings of Dighali Phukri Tank, this history and heritage treasure trove offers a captivating journey through the region’s past. Located just a 10-minute walk from the Guwahati railway station, reaching the Museum is convenient and rewarding.
For those preferring a quicker mode of transportation, worry not! You can hop on a rickshaw from the railway station and arrive at the Museum quickly. Once there, you’ll be greeted by a fascinating array of artifacts, ranging from ancient sculptures to tribal crafts, all meticulously curated to offer a glimpse into Assam’s rich cultural legacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Assam State Museum stands as a venerable testament to the rich cultural heritage of Assam. Its meticulously curated exhibits and diverse collections offer visitors a profound journey into the region’s past, showcasing the intricate tapestry of art, history, and tradition.
From ancient sculptures to contemporary paintings, each artifact housed within its walls narrates a compelling story, preserving the essence of Assamese identity for generations to come.
The Museum’s commitment to scholarly research and preservation, coupled with its accessible location in the heart of Guwahati, makes it a vital hub for tourists and locals seeking to delve deeper into Assam’s fascinating history and culture. For those eager to unravel the mysteries of this vibrant state, visiting the Assam Museum is an enriching experience to be noticed.
FAQ
Q. Why is the Assam State Museum famous?
A. If you want to learn more about the state’s history/culture, you should visit the Assam State Museum. This Museum is located in the heart of the city. It offers a great collection of royal garments, weapons, paintings, sculptures, stone and copper inscriptions, woodwork, and other interesting items. In addition, there is some memorabilia from World War II on display.
Q. What are the collections of the Assam State Museum?
A. The exhibits of the museum are displayed under different sections, viz., Epigraphy, Sculptures, Miscellaneous, Natural History, Art and Crafts, Anthropology & Folk Art & Arms section.
Q. What are the natural, historical objects in the Assam State Museum?
A. The Natural History section displays models of rhinoceros, crocodiles, birds, moths, and butterflies. On the ground floor, a beautifully recreated Assamese cottage with various domestic tools and weapons is also on display.
Q. What is Assam’s old name?
A. Ancient Sanskrit literature used the names ‘Pragjyotisha’ and ‘Kamrupa’ to designate ancient Assam.
