Bangiya Sahitya Parishad Museum
| Place | Kolkata |
|---|---|
| State | West Bengal |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1908 |
| Museum Type | Literary, Archaeological, and Heritage |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | 243, 1, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Rd, Manicktala, Sahitya Parishad, Bagmari, Kolkata, West Bengal 700006 |
| Visiting Time | 12:30 PM to 06:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays) |
| Entry Fee | Free Entry |
Museum Introduction
Founded in 1893 as the "Bengal Academy of Literature," the Parishad established its manuscript museum (Puthisala) in 1894 and its picture gallery (Chitrasala) in 1908. Located in a Grade-I Heritage Building, it serves as a major research center for Bengali language, literature, and history. The institution was historically graced by figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Ramesh Chandra Dutt.
General Collections
The collection includes over 9,400 rare manuscripts in Bengali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Persian. The Chitrasala (Picture Gallery) houses medieval stone and metal sculptures, terracotta artifacts, ancient coins, and personal effects of eminent Bengali personalities.
Unique Historical Collections
Rare Literary & Sacred Treasures: The museum holds the only extant manuscript of "Srikrishnakirtan" by Badu Chandidas. It also preserves the original manuscript of Sister Nivedita's My Master as I Saw Him, a copper plate with Rabindranath Tagore's engraved signature, and his self-designed wedding invitation.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | Status Update (2025-2026): Portions of the museum and manuscript sections have been undergoing essential renovation work; visitors are advised to check current gallery accessibility. The building is a recognized Kolkata Municipal Corporation Grade-I Heritage site. |
| Artifacts | Manuscript of Srikrishnakirtan; Manasamangal (composed by Khemananda); Property deeds of Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay; 11th–13th century sculptures of Manjusri and Brahma; Copper-plate land grants; Dasabatar Tas (traditional playing cards). |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details |
+91 33-23502351 +91 33-23603415 |
| Email ID | sahityaparishadbangiya@gmail.com |
Artifact Gallery
