Archaeological Site Museum Vaishali
| Place | Vaishali |
|---|---|
| State | Bihar |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1971 |
| Museum Type | Archaeological, Site Museum |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | Vishwa Shanti Stupa Road, Chak Ramdas, Vaishali, Bihar, 844128 |
| Visiting Time | 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM (Closed on Fridays) |
| Entry Fee | ₹25 (Indian, SAARC, and BIMSTEC citizens) ₹300 (Foreigners) Free for children below 15 years. |
Museum Introduction
Established in 1971, the museum is located on the banks of the Coronation Tank (Abhishek Pushkarni) in Vaishali. It was founded to preserve and display the antiquities recovered from various excavated sites in Vaishali, which was the capital of the ancient Lichchhavi republic. The museum highlights the region's deep connections to both Buddhism and Jainism.
General Collections
The collection includes terracotta figurines, coins, pottery, and stone sculptures spanning from the Maurya to the Gupta and Pala periods. It also features bone objects, iron and copper implements, and seals used by ancient guilds and administrators.
Unique Historical Collections
Zoomorphic Stone Beads and Seals: The museum holds one of the largest and most distinctive collections of zoomorphic (animal-shaped) stone beads in India. Additionally, it houses ancient seals of the guild of traders and bankers, reflecting the economic prosperity of the Vajjian confederacy.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | Yes |
|---|---|
| Notes | The museum consists of four main galleries arranged around a central courtyard. The foundation of the collection began with antiquities donated by the Vaishali Sangh, a local organization that collected items in the pre-independence era. |
| Artifacts | Headless sculpture of Buddha in Bhumisparsha mudra; Terracotta figurines of Mother Goddess; Naigamesha figures; Potshards of NBPW (Northern Black Polished Ware); Punch-marked and cast copper coins; Antler arrowheads; Stone Chhatravali. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 612-2677623 (ASI Patna Circle Office) |
| Email ID | circlepat.asi@gmail.com |