Patna Museum

Museums are a way to preserve important historical evidences, documents, artefacts, etc. so that future generations can catch a glimpse of the bygone era. It gives us an understanding of the major happenings, culture, lifestyle, art, traditions and religious beliefs of the people in those times. If you are planning a trip to Patna then do set aside some time to explore the Patna Museum to get glimpses of its royal past. Also known as the 'Jadu Ghar' the museum is very well maintained and houses unique things of great historical & archaeological importance. This archaeological museum in Patna boasts of a large collection of items which were discovered during the various excavations at different sites across Bihar.

About Patna Museum

This famous museum is located at a distance of about one km from central and is quiet popular among the local residents as well as tourists coming from outside. The archaeologists and historians had discovered many things belonging to pre-historic times and needed a place to keep these safely. Thus the Patna Museum is playing a key role today in safeguarding & preserving many rare objects ranging from sculptures to terracottas, paintings, coins and more. A statue of Sir Edward Gait, the founder of the museum has been installed near the entry gate, besides statues of other personalities like Lord Hardinge.

History & Architecture of Patna Museum

The idea of building a museum came up in 1915, to preserve the exclusive historical artefacts found in and around Patna after the separation of Bengal & Bihar. It was founded by Sir Edward Gait the then Lieutenant Governor of Bihar and the construction started in 1917 during the British rule. The museum has been established in a huge & magnificent two-storied building designed by Rai Bahadur Bishnu Swarup. It has been built in an amazing combination of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. The two floors of the museum have been divided into different Galleries to effectively & properly display the items:

Galleries of Patna Museum

Patna Museum also known as Jadu Ghar (Magic House) was constructed during the British rule to preserve the remains of the state’s artifact. The architectural design of the museum reflects the Mughal and Rajput style.The museum has restored many things related to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India who was originally from Bihar. It has the finest and rarest collection of paintings of British period and also has a cannon of First World War. The historical objects that are on display are archaeological objects, paintings, coins, textiles, instruments, sculptures, bronze images, and Buddhist and Hindu artists’ terra cotta images.

• Natural History Gallery
• Stone Sculpture Gallery
• Terracota Gallery
• Budda Relic Gallery
• Bronze Galley
• Mahapandit Rahul Sankrityayana Gallery
• Art Gallery & War-Weapon Gallery
• Painting Gallery
• Patliputra Gallery
• Rajendra Gallery
• Orissan Stone Sculpture
• Indian Stone Art Tradition

Major Artifacts & Unique Collection in Patna Museum

Counted as one of the biggest museums in the country, The Patna Museum or Jadu Ghar as it is locally called houses a beautiful collection of about 45,000 exhibits belonging to pre-historic, medieval & modern times. Some of the splendid collection in the museum comprises of following items.

• Rare Mauryan and Gupta Stone Sculptures, 2000-year-old Terracotta Figurines

• Beautiful Bronze Buddhist Statues and Rajasthani Miniature Paintings

• Fabulous Tibetan Thangkas or Scroll Paintings) which were brought to India in 20th century by Rahul Sankrityayan – a scholar and traveller of those times

• Amazing Sculptures of the Gandhara and the Mathura Style Art belonging to the Kushana period; the Gandhar style sculptures includes figures of Buddha and are also known as Greeco-Buddhist Art; created from blue coloured - schist of Swat valley

• Many statutes of Bodhisattvas in different forms & shapes

• Paleolithic tools discovered from different parts of India like Bariar in MP, Lalitpur in UP and Attirampakkam in Tamil Nadu

• Sculptures belonging to Kushana period like the ever-famous trio from Devangarh in which 3 deities Ekanamsa, Balarama and Vasudeva have been separately depicted a unique phenomenon in itself

• A collection of 3 images of Avalokitesvra, Maitreya and Buddha in Bhumisparsh Posture which had been excavated from Vishnupur in Gaya

• Paintings made during British rule showcasing life at that time

• Paintings of legendary Dr. Rajendra Prasad – the first President of India

• A War Cannon which was used during the First World War

• Few door frames with the figures of Ganges and Yamuna depicted on both sides

• A Relic casket casket which is believed to contain the sacred ashes (relics) of Lord Buddha; this casket was discovered by archaeologist AS Altekar in 1958 from the Relic Stupa in Vaishali; it has been placed separately on the first-floor and there is a fees of 500 rs. if one wants to catch a glimpse of it
  

• Fossil of a tree which is nearly 200 million years old as per the historians and recognised across the world as the as longest fossil tree
  

• Didarganj Yakshi Statue or sculpture of Female Attendant belonging to the 3rd Century BC; made of sandstone the figurine is holding a Chauri or Fly whisk in her right hand, whereas her left hand is missing; it was discovered in 1917 from the banks of River Ganga

One can explore the museum and marvel at the rare artefacts; after a exhausting tour of the museum grab a bite at the cafeteria - Sangrahalaya Vihar run by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation. One can also buy gifts for their loved ones from a HHEC managed souvenir shop present in museum. A huge auditorium, called the Jan Nayak Karpuri Thakur Auditorium is also present in which tourists can watch an event if currently going on.

How to Reach Patna Museum ?

The museum is on the Buddha Marg just near to the Indira Gandhi Planetarium; one can take an auto or taxi to reach this place.

Distance from Patna Junction: 2-3 kms
Distance from Airport: 7 - 8 kms
Distance from Mithapur Bus Stand: 8-9 kms

Address and Entry Fees of Patna Museum

Address: Patna Museum, Buddha Marg, Chajju Bagh, Patna – 800001, Bihar, India
Contact: +91-612-2225411, 0612 2235731, 91 9431457349, 91 9431034172,
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday (10:30 am - 4:30pm), Monday closed
Entry Fee: Rs 15 for Indian Citizens and Rs. 250 for Foreigners
Buddha Relics Gallery Entry Fee: Rs 100 for Indian Citizens and Rs. 500 for Foreigners
Student’s group: Rs 2
Each bag in security room: Rs 2
Auditorium fee: Rs 10,000

Camera Charges
Mobile Camera:- Rs 20
Still Camera :- Rs 100
Video Camera:- Rs 500
Commercial Recording:- Rs 5,000

Guide Charges (Voluntary)
1 Person :- Rs. 25
2-5 People :- Rs. 50
6-10 People :- Rs. 100

Nearby Tourist Attractions

The Indira Gandhi Planetarium: 0.1 km
Buddha Smriti Park: 1.0 km
Maurya Lok Marketing Complex: 0.5 km

So, if you are an avid lover of history or just want to do spend a day at this famous museum and learn more about the rich culture and art forms of days gone by. A beautiful green park surrounds the museum which is a treat to the eyes and much admired by the visitors.