Bharat Kala Bhawan
| Place | Varanasi |
|---|---|
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1920 |
| Museum Type | Art, Archaeological, and University Museum |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | Banaras Hindu University, Semi Circle Road No. 3 Opp Institute of Mgmt Studies, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005 |
| Visiting Time | 10:30 AM to 04:30 PM (Closed on Sundays and University/National Holidays). Summer Hours (May-June): 07:30 AM to 01:00 PM. |
| Entry Fee | Indians: ₹20 BHU Students/Staff: Free Other Students (with ID): ₹10 Foreigners: ₹250 |
Museum Introduction
Founded on January 1, 1920, by Rai Krishnadasa with Rabindranath Tagore as its first honorary chairman, it moved to its present location in the BHU campus in 1962. It was inaugurated by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. The museum is a cornerstone for research into Indian miniature paintings and ancient sculptures.
General Collections
The museum houses a staggering collection of over 1,00,000 artifacts, including miniature paintings from various schools (Mughal, Rajput, Pahari), ancient stone sculptures, textiles (including Banaras silks), coins, and rare manuscripts.
Unique Historical Collections
Krishna Lifting Govardhana & Rare Coins: The main hall features a famous 4th-5th century Gupta-period sculpture of Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana. It also boasts a rare Ram-Siya silver coin from Akbar’s reign and an inscribed wine cup belonging to Emperor Jahangir.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | Mahatma Gandhi visited the museum three times and noted in the visitor book: "The collection is very good" (संग्रह बहुत अच्छा है). The museum is famous for its sustainable practices, utilizing a solar-powered light and sound system. |
| Artifacts | Toilet Bearer (2nd Century Kushan); Bal Kartike (5th Century Gupta); Diwan-e-Ghalib (handwritten); Nicholas Roerich’s Himalayan paintings; Chamba Rumals (embroidered textiles); Harappan seals and beads; Rare Gujarati and Rajasthani miniatures. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details |
+91 542-2369227 +91 90058 06703 |
| Email ID | directorbkb@gmail.com |