Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhaban - Museum in Bishnupur - Bankura, India

This museum preserves the traditions of terracotta and other indigenous art forms in Bankura. It is a double-storied, yellow building with three main galleries: on sculpture, music and terracotta. The first two galleries are spread over a large area on the ground floor while the terracotta gallery is on the first floor.

Tushar Sarkar, the current curator of Bishnupur Museum, says that when it was established in 1951, the museum was a private effort, led largely by such local luminaries as former Bishnupur High School teacher Maniklal Singha, and a few of his colleagues such as Chittaranjan Dasgupta. These founders sourced artefacts from various sources, including private collections, and the museum's sizable collection was eventually taken over by the West Bengal government's Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. Today, the museum houses nearly 5,000 old manuscripts such as the 'Chaitanya Charitamrita', 'Madanmohan Bandana', and various ayurvedic texts, more than 100 sculptures dating primarily from the 10th-12th century AD, remnants of British history, and several priceless specimens of textiles, various photographs, and tribal art and craft. That apart, there are microliths from the Mesolithic and Chalcolithic eras, coins and artefacts from various historical eras such as the Pushana, Sunga, Gupta, and Pala, establishing a history of continuous human habitation in Bankura from prehistoric times.

This museum preserves the traditions of terracotta and other indigenous art forms in Bankura. It is a double-storied, yellow building with three main galleries: on sculpture, music and terracotta. The first two galleries are spread over a large area on the ground floor while the terracotta gallery is on the first floor. In addition, as part of the terracotta gallery is a gallery showcasing rare photographs of Sree Sarada Devi, wife of Sri Rama Krishna Paramhansa who was born in this district. A proposed anthropology gallery would make the fifth gallery. A decorative terracotta boat replica welcomes all visitors to the museum and also reminds one of how Bishnupur is synonymous with this art form. The museum is encircled by a small but well-manicured garden which further aestheticizes it.

The Bankura District Museum or the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Purakriti Bhavan was inaugurated in 1951 and is now under the control of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Ministry of Information and Culture, Government of West Bengal. It is important to mention at the outset that this museum differs from the contemporary understanding of museums. The museum was started by a group of people with limited knowledge of museum practices. Nevertheless it is to be seen as a significant attempt to preserve and archive the history and cultural heritage of Bishnupur and its surrounding areas. This museum preserves the traditions of terracotta and other indigenous art forms in Bankura. It is a double-storied, yellow building with three main galleries: on sculpture, music and terracotta. The first two galleries are spread over a large area on the ground floor while the terracotta gallery is on the first floor. In addition, as part of the terracotta gallery is a gallery showcasing rare photographs of Sree Sarada Devi, wife of Sri Rama Krishna Paramhansa[4] who was born in this district. A proposed anthropology gallery would make the fifth gallery. A decorative terracotta boat replica welcomes all visitors to the museum and also reminds one of how Bishnupur is synonymous with this art form. The museum is encircled by a small but well-manicured garden which further aestheticizes it. Undoubtedly this museum is a great initiative by the people of Bishnupur. The fact that as early as 1955, realizing the necessity to preserve the art traditions of the place, they formed a group and started a museum needs to be appreciated. It is to be mentioned that around the same time museums all over the country were undergoing significant changes. Especially after the British rule, the desire to establish a museum to display one's own heritage and culture was gaining prominence.[5] It became the rage. The present secretary of the museum, who also actively participated in its establishment, mentioned in an interview that Acharya Prafull Chandra Ray[6] always wanted to have a museum in the Bankura district. Mr Manik Chakraborty mentioned that Ray expressed his desire to build a museum in Bishnupur in an international journal. He strongly believed that the remarkable terracotta artefacts and temples with which Bishnupur is replete need to be preserved. A museum that not only displayed these fantastic objects from Bishnupur but also brought to light the history and culture of south-western Bengal was for him an immediate necessity. Unfortunately, due to some unknown constraints he was unable to build the museum.

Very good museum if you want to know about the history and development of music, culture of Bankura. Also give you idea about various hindu gods and heritage temples.

Such places are carrying & maintaining the proof of our reach culture. From the things made of stone to collection of coins of British era. Entry ticket is only Rs. 5/-. Photography is restricted here. Please obey the rules.

Beautifully maintained , But if you are coming from distant place than its not worth. One may disappoint...small collection 25.04.2018

This is a must go place if you want to see rare artifacts excavated and collected from different sources in Bishnupur. Local guides and Toto and Auto wallas never mentions of this place in the sight seeing itenary. Take about an hour in-hand to view the exhibits. This place is open from 11am to 5:30 pm Tuesday to Sunday Monday is closed .