Acharya Jogesh Chandra Museum
The Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan, more commonly known as the Acharya Jogesh Chandra Museum or Bishnupur Museum, is a crucial institution for understanding the history, art, and culture of the Mallabhum region and the Bankura district. Established in 1951 by local enthusiasts and later tak en over by the West Bengal government's Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, the museum is named after the noted scholar Acharya Jogesh Chandra Roy Vidyanidhi. It is a double-storied yellow building that houses an invaluable and diverse collection of nearly 5,000 old manuscripts, including rare texts like the 'Chaitanya Charitamrita' and various Ayurvedic treatises. Its collection also boasts over 100 sculptures dating primarily from the 10th to 12th century CE, many recovered from the Dwarakeswar River basin, establishing the area's history of continuous human habitation. The museum is renowned for preserving the traditions of indigenous art forms, including a dedicated Terracotta Gallery showcasing the famous Bankura Horse and exquisite terracotta boat replicas. It offers three main galleries focusing on sculpture, music, and terracotta, and also features historical artifacts related to the British period, textiles, and rare photographs of spiritual figures like Sree Sarada Devi. It serves as a vital bridge between the glorious past of the Malla dynasty and the present, giving tourists a comprehensive context to the temples they visit.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1. 5 to 2 hoursPlace Type:
Museum, Cultural, HistoricalEntry Fees:
Standard Ticket Price: The Acharya Jogesh Chandra Museum typically charges a nominal entry fee. While prices are subject to change, the fee is generally very low (often around Rs.10-Rs.20) for Indian citizens. This nominal charge helps with the maintenance and preservation of ...Standard Ticket Price: The Acharya Jogesh Chandra Museum typically charges a nominal entry fee. While prices are subject to change, the fee is generally very low (often around Rs.10-Rs.20) for Indian citizens. This nominal charge helps with the maintenance and preservation of the collection.
Foreign National Fees: The fee for foreign nationals is usually slightly higher than the Indian rate, as is common in government-run museums in India. Visitors should verify the latest rates at the entrance counter, which are usually displayed clearly.
Concessional Rates: Students, researchers, and large educational groups may be eligible for discounted or concessional entry rates. It is advisable for students to carry their valid ID cards to avail of any potential concessions offered by the museum authority.
Photography Charges: Casual photography (without flash) is often free, but sometimes a small separate fee (e. g. , Rs.25-Rs.50) might be charged for still cameras, and a higher fee for video cameras. Commercial photography or professional shoots require prior permission and a higher fee from the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums.Timing:
Regular Timings (Operating Hours) The Acharya Jogesh Chandra Museum is typically open six days a week, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (or occasionally 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM). It is important to note that the museum is usually Closed on Thursdays (or sometimes Wednesdays, please verify locally) and on major...Regular Timings (Operating Hours) The Acharya Jogesh Chandra Museum is typically open six days a week, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (or occasionally 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM). It is important to note that the museum is usually Closed on Thursdays (or sometimes Wednesdays, please verify locally) and on major national holidays. Ideal Visit Time (Crowd and Climate) The best time to visit is during the Winter Season (October to March) in the Late Morning or Early Afternoon (e. g. , 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM). A midday visit is ideal as it provides a cool, indoor break from the heat of the day, which can be intense in Bishnupur during the summer. Visiting right at opening time can help you avoid any crowds.
Ticket Counter Timing: Ensure you arrive well before the closing time, as the ticket counter often closes 30 minutes to one hour before the museum officially shuts down for the day. Allow a minimum of 90 minutes for a comprehensive tour.Special Events:
Museum Week/Heritage Day Observances: The museum participates in national and state-level celebrations like International Museum Day (May 18) and various Heritage Weeks (often in November or December). During these times, the museum may host special talks, workshops, or tem...Museum Week/Heritage Day Observances: The museum participates in national and state-level celebrations like International Museum Day (May 18) and various Heritage Weeks (often in November or December). During these times, the museum may host special talks, workshops, or temporary exhibitions focused on specific collections, such as the history of the terracotta art or the conservation of manuscripts. These events provide a much richer, educational experience than a regular visit.
Local Scholar Lecture Series: As an academic and cultural hub, the museum occasionally organizes lecture series or seminars featuring local historians, archaeologists, and scholars. These events delve into specialized topics like the Malla coinage, the pre-history of Bankura, or the specifics of the Bishnupur Gharana of music. Attending one of these lectures is a unique opportunity for an in-depth cultural immersion.Best Photo Spots:
The Terracotta Boat Replica: The terracotta boat replica, often displayed near the entrance, is one of the museum's most photogenic and symbolic exhibits. Capture a close-up to highlight the craftsmanship and the fact that terracotta was not only used for temples but for ge...The Terracotta Boat Replica: The terracotta boat replica, often displayed near the entrance, is one of the museum's most photogenic and symbolic exhibits. Capture a close-up to highlight the craftsmanship and the fact that terracotta was not only used for temples but for general art.
The Stone Sculpture Collection: Focus on the ancient stone sculptures, especially those recovered from the Dwarakeswar River. Use low lighting (where permitted) to accentuate the texture and age of the stone. A slight tilt or creative framing can turn these historical artifacts into dramatic photographic subjects.
The Museum Facade and Garden: The yellow, double-storied facade of the museum, set against the green of the surrounding garden, makes for an appealing architectural shot. Take an exterior photograph to capture the institution's official look and its peaceful setting.
Thematic Gallery Views: If permitted, capture wide shots of the interior galleries, especially the Music Gallery, to showcase the ambiance and the range of instruments displayed, emphasizing the museum's role as a custodian of diverse heritage.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Immersive Exploration of the Three Galleries: Dedicate specific time to each of the three main galleries: Sculpture, Terracotta, and Music. Start with the Sculpture Gallery to grasp the region's ancient history, move to the Terracotta Gallery to understand the Malla period's artistic zenith, and then finish with the Music Gallery to appreciate the unique cultural contribution of the Bishnupur Gharana. Do not rush the experience.
Study the Terracotta Art and Architecture: Focus on the terracotta exhibits, which provide context to the elaborate carvings seen on the temples outside. Look for the fine details on the plaques and the famous Bankura Horse and Terracotta Boat replica. Try to identify scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata on the displayed fragments, connecting them to the larger structures.
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Information
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Why Famous:
Preservation of Mallabhum Culture: The museum is the sole district museum in Bankura dedicated to art and archaeology, making it the definitive repository for the culture of the ancient Mallabhum kingdom. It is famous for preserving artifacts that span millennia, ...
Preservation of Mallabhum Culture: The museum is the sole district museum in Bankura dedicated to art and archaeology, making it the definitive repository for the culture of the ancient Mallabhum kingdom. It is famous for preserving artifacts that span millennia, from Mesolithic microliths to sculptures from the Pala and Gupta periods, providing a complete historical timeline of the region that complements the later Malla dynasty's temples.
Treasury of Rare Manuscripts: A key element of its fame is its extensive and rare collection of nearly 5,000 ancient manuscripts. These include important Vaishnavite texts, notably the 'Chaitanya Charitamrita', and practical texts on subjects like Ayurvedic medicine. This collection is vital for researchers and scholars studying the religious, literary, and scientific history of medieval Bengal, positioning the museum as a significant academic resource.
Showcase of Indigenous Art Forms: The museum is a champion of Bishnupur's unique art and craft traditions. It is particularly famous for its extensive Terracotta Gallery, which proudly displays the world-renowned Bankura Horse, Baluchari Sarees, and various terracotta plaques from temple ruins. Furthermore, the Music Gallery documents the history of the Bishnupur Gharanathe only school of Indian classical music originating from Bengalmaking it a nexus for both visual and performing arts heritage. -
Architecture:
Building Style and Layout: The museum is housed in a distinct, double-storied building, typically painted yellow, reflecting a mid-20th-century colonial or post-colonial institutional style, rather than the traditional terracotta architecture of the Malla era. Its design is...Building Style and Layout: The museum is housed in a distinct, double-storied building, typically painted yellow, reflecting a mid-20th-century colonial or post-colonial institutional style, rather than the traditional terracotta architecture of the Malla era. Its design is functional, built to house and display a large number of artifacts. The structure is well-defined, with the galleries arranged thematically to facilitate an organized visitor flow. A small but well-maintained garden surrounds the museum, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and providing a calm introduction to the historical setting. Thematic Gallery Arrangement (Dimension and Space) The interior space is systematically divided into main galleries. The largest portion of the ground floor is dedicated to the Sculpture Gallery and the Music Gallery. The Sculpture Gallery displays heavier stone artifacts like the ancient sculptures (dating back to the 10th-12th century), requiring large, sturdy floor space. The Music Gallery showcases the musical instruments of the unique Bishnupur Gharana of Hindustani classical music. The first floor is primarily dedicated to the Terracotta Gallery, which displays lighter, intricate artifacts such as terracotta plaques, replicas, and pottery. The dimensions of the rooms are generally spacious, allowing for easy movement and close inspection of the exhibits.
The Facade and Entry: The entrance often features a decorative element, such as a large terracotta boat replica, which immediately reminds visitors that Bishnupur is synonymous with this indigenous art form. The institutional architecture of the building contrasts sharply with the nearby ancient terracotta temples, offering a modern space for the preservation of antique art, serving as a symbolic link between different eras. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata (approx. 150-160 KMS). From Kolkata, travelers can take a train or bus to Bishnupur. Once in Bishnupur, the museum is a short ride by local transport. -
Near Tourist Places:
Other Place Name Distance (KMS) Category Dalmadal Cannon Approx. 0. 5 KMS Military Heritage Jor Bangla Temple Approx. 1 KMS Terracotta Temple Chhinnamasta Temple Approx. 0. 8 KMS Temple Lalbandh (Lake) Approx. 1 KMS Natural/Historical Rasmancha Approx. 1. 5 KMS Terracotta Temple Madanmohan Temple Approx. 1. 5 KMS Terracotta Temple Shyam Rai Temple (Pancharatna Temple) Approx. 2 KMS Terracotta Temple Nutan Mahal Approx. 2 KMS Historical Building Pathar Darwaja (Gateway) Approx. 2 KMS Fortification Malleswar Temple Approx. 2. 5 KMS Terracotta Temple
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The museum is an indoor site, so heat is less of a concern. Be respectful of the exhibits; do not touch the artifacts, especially the manuscripts and textiles, to ensure their preservation. Follow the instructions of the museum staff at all times.
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