INDIAN MUSEUM, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Park Street, Kolkata

Interior view of the Indian Museum

Our trip to Kolkata is not complete without visiting this most famous museum (In British Era called "Imperial Museum")which is the largest and oldest museum in India and is ranked as the ninth oldest museum in the world. One has to spend a whole day to see all the rare collections and specimens such as antiques, ornaments, artifacts, paintings, fossils, skeletons and sculptures belonging to various periods right from the Indus valley civilization. This museum was first founded by Asiatic Society in 1814 by Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, a famous Danish Botanist. In 1875 this museum was shifted to the present building and from 1878 was open to public. This building was designed in Italian style by Walter B.Granville with three floors with massive columns and arches. 

There are sixty galleries divided into six categories—Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Botany. As we have not much time we could not see all the sections. A visit to this museum will give you a clear picture about the rich cultural and religious diversity of India and other neighboring countries like Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Let me give you a brief account of some of the galleries we have seen.

In Paintings gallery there are two main sections namely Indian miniatures and the Bengal School of art displayed in chronological order. In Indian Miniatures paintings from Persian, Mughal, Deccan, Rajasthan are seen. In Bengali section masterpieces from 19^th and 20^th centuries of Neo-Bengal school of art along with Patachitras, lithographs and oil paintings of 20^th century are displayed.

                                                                                      Paintings of Bengal Art

In decorative section many artifacts made of mud, wood, bone, brass, bronze, copper, ivory, jade and Bidriware are displayed. The metal images ranging from 8^th to fourteenth centuries belonging to various schools of art are seen.  The artistic beauty of these figures is quite impressive. Most of these artifacts were used for decorative or for ritualistic purpose. In Bird Gallery specimens of various birds and their relationship with the surroundings (eco-system ) are displayed. In zoology section the specimens of various animals including the skeletons of dinosaurs are displayed. In Egyptian section the wooden figures, mummies and wooden engravings are found. 

4000-year old Egypatian Mummy with death mask

Egyptian sphinx

In textile Gallery fabrics produced in the Indian sub-continent made of cotton, wood,and silk are displayed. The shawls of Kashmir, Baluchari and Kantha Saris of Bengal,printed fabrics of Lucknow and Chennai, Phulkari chadars of Punjab, Jamdani saris Decca, mirror works of Kuchh and Soznis of Pakistan are displayed neatly in showcases.

textile Gallery

In Gandhara Gallery the sculptures relating to story of Buddha (Bodhisattva and Maitrya of the Gandharva School of Art which flourished in 2^nd century A.D.) are seen. The influence of Greco-Roman culture is seen in these sculptures excavated from places like Mardan,  and Loriyan in Pakistan and Tangal in Iran region. In Bharhut Gallery the sculptures dealing with Jataka tales of Buddha along with sculptures of Yakshas and Naginis  along with plant, animal and geometrical design motifs are displayed. Most of them look quite strong and massive carved in red stone. In sculpture section the evolution of sculpture in India between 200 A.D. and 1500 A.D. is seen. Most of these sculptures belonged to Buddhist, Jain and Hindu faiths. These artefacts belonged to Kushana, Pallava, Hoysala, Vijayanagara and Chola periods. Some of the sculptures of the Buddhist and Brahminical origins were recovered from south-east regions like Java and Indonesia.

Dream of Maya Queen, 2nd century medallion

Bharhut Gallery

Sculptures of Gupta Period

Various types of stones and jewels

Ancient Coins Gallery

Stamps Gallery

 In Geology section a huge collection of various rocks and stones are seen. In Coins gallery nearly 52,000 coins of the Indian sub-continent ranging from 500 B.C. to the present date are displayed in twenty showcases.

Apart from these there are so many other exhibits and one should have enough time and patience to see and understand the glorious achievements of our rich culture and tradition. Because of its astounding variety and rarest collections this Museum is popularly known as “Jadughar”(The House of magic). In this museum there is a big library with a huge collection of more than 50,000 books and journals. There is also a bookshop with many art albums, children’s books, picture post cards and books to cater to people of all ages.

This museum is open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. The entry fee is Rs.20/- per Indians and rs.200/- per foreigners. If you happen to go to Kolkata, make it sure to visit this famous museum which gives you a lot of information and makes you enjoy the rare collections which you cannot see elsewhere. This Museum is included as an institution of national importance in the seventh schedule of the Constitution of India.

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        19th January, 2019                                     Somaseshu Gutala

About Dakshineswar Kali temple , Kolkata (West Bengal)

 

Idol of Kali (Bhavatarini) in the sanctum

               

Nahabat (Music Hall) where Sarada Devi lived

                 

Shrine of Rashmoni

Ferry Ride from Belur to Dakshineswar

               

View of Dakshineswar Temple

                   

View of Vivekananda Sethu  (Bally Bridge)

     

The Dakshineswar Kali temple is one of the most visited places in Kolkata. At this holy place Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa worshipped Kali Ma as a priest for nearly thirty years and meditated on Kali to get Her Darshan. The beautiful three-storeyed south-facing temple constructed in Navaratna style with nine spires distributed in the upper two storeys is a majestic sight to see. The sand-colored construction with many arches all along the corridor with twelve Shiva shrines further adds splendor to this magnificent temple. We arrived at this place by ferry from Belur jetty managed by West Bengal Surface transport. It takes only twenty minutes to reach Dakshineshwar Bhabatarini Ghat. The panoramic view of the Bally Bridge (Vivekananda Setu) and monumental buildings on the banks gives an awesome view of this city’s glory. Every half an hour there is ferry service from both sides from 7.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

This famous temple was constructed by Rani Rashmoni. In 1847 she wished to go to Kashi along with her relatives and servants in twenty-four boats. The day preceding her travel, Kali Mata appeared to her in a dream and asked her to install Her idol in a temple and get her Blessings. So Rashmoni purchased twenty acres of land in Dakshineswaram village from an Englishman named John Hestie and completed the temple construction in 1855. On the holy day of Jagannath Deva Snana Yatra on May 31^st, 1855 the idol of Jagadeeswari Kalimata Thakurani was installed. Sri Ramkumar Chattopadhyaya served as the temple priest till his demise in 1856. His brother Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa later served as the priest till 1866. Rani Rahmoni Lived for five years and nine months after starting the temple. She died on 18^th February, 1861. Her shrine has been later added near the entrance to the temple yard.

Perched on an elevated platform the main Kali temple reveals the gracious form of Bhavatarini made of shining black basalt stone decked with gold brocade standing on white marble statue of Shiva in lying position. Both these idols are installed on a thousand-petalled lotus-seat made of silver. A narrow covered verandah serves as the audience chamber attached to the sanctum. A spacious Natamandir(dancing hall) is seen in front of the temple. Twelve east-facing Shiva Mandirs (shrines) with holy Shiva Lingas made of black stone with idols of Nandis facing them are seen on both sides of corridor near the bank of the Hoogly River. At the head of the Hoogly ghat there is a roofed terrace to view the river front. Just beyond the last Shiva Mandir Sri Ramakrishna used to live with Sarada Devi in a music room called Nahabath. He stayed here nearly for thirty years till his death in 1866.

On the northeastern side of this temple complex one can see the Radhakanta shrine where 21 ½ inch Krishna’s idol with 16 inch Radha’s idol are seen on a silver throne. The Panchavati (five sacred trees) garden is located very close to the temple. The old fig tree, the last remaining tree of Panchavati trees, is still seen. Here Sri Ramakrishna used to meditate. The visiting hours are from 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 3.00 to 8.30 p.m. every day. In summer (April to September) the temple closes at 9.00 p.m. On Tuesdays and Fridays the temple is very much crowded. The whole temple beams with festive atmosphere with illumination, with ringing bells, blowing conchs and ululating piercing cries of Bengali women with shouts of excitement and devotion. On every Amavasya day the temple is beautifully decorated and evening aarti is performed. This temple graced by Sri Ramakrishna’s holy presence makes one feel his deep devotion to Kali Ma. Many newly married couples and family members come here to receive the benedictions of the Universal Mother.

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               4th January, 2018                                       Somaseshu Gutala

A Unique Navagraha Temple in Guwahati

   
     


           

Entrance to the Temple

In the Temple Sanctum

Idols of other gods with a tray to give Dakshina

                                   

In Guwahati one finds unique temples with structures quite different from those of other places. In Kamakhya the Goddess is worshipped in the form of Yoni in a dark cave with flowing water. In Ugratara temple a small tank filled with water is considered as the Goddess. In this Navagraha temple the nine planets are seen in forms of nine Lingas draped around with cloths of different colors sacred to nine planets. In the center the Sun God is seen in the form of Linga wrapped with a red cloth. In many other temples the Navagrahas are seen in a subsidiary shrine on an elevated platform as idols along with their mounts(vahanas) and sometimes with their spouses also. But here one finds all nine planets at one place in Linga form in a red-colored dome-shaped temple.

 The ancient name for Guwahati “Pragjyothishapura” is derived from the location of this temple as “Prag” means eastern and “Jyothishapura” means a town with Vedic Astrology. Actually there was an ancient temple here built in 4^th century. Later under the direction of the Ahom king Rajeshwar Singha , Tarun Durarah constructed this present temple in 1752. A stone inscription on the wall of the temple records this fact. The upper part of the temple was damaged due to an earthquake in later times. The Garbhagriha(Inner Sanctum) built with bricks remained intact. A corrugated tin sheet is seen as roof. The temple was renovated in between 1923 and 1945.

This temple serves as a research center for Astrological and Astronomical studies. In the sanctum one can see the nine planetary gods and pour oil in the big oil lamps. The inner sanctum seems very dark and is only lit by oil lamps.The pond constructed by Rajasingha  (Silphukuri Pond) is still  used for water supply. A stone tablet with inscription near the tank testifies this fact. This temple is open from  6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 4.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. The devotees should be careful about their belongings as there are many monkeys scrambling around.

 Archana, Aarti and Abhishekam are performed every day here. Special poojas are done during festival days like Shiv Chaturdasi and Maha Shiva Rathri. This temple is believed to have aligned the mighty celestial forces of the sacred planets in one place. The temple situated on the top of Chitrachal provides a panoramic view of the city with the river Brahmaputra flowing nearby. One feels a sense of satisfaction of seeing a temple with unique idols surrounded by scenic hills and flowing river.

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   22nd December, 2018                                 Somaseshu Gutala

About Assam State Museum, Guwahati

Folk drama

                      

Lord Shiva

                      

Model of the Mohenjodaro public bath

Musical Instruments

Village Life 

Musical instruments

Vessels made of bamboo

terracotta Figurines

Village Assembly

Weapons

Umamaheshwara

large container

large utensil

Various tools

Durga

Terracotta Figures

Mahishasuramardini metal figure

Bellmetal bell

Assam State Musuem Road

Assam State Museum(Assam Rajyik Musuem)

This Museum is a worth-visiting place as it gives a clear picture of Assamese rich culture and art besides the varied traditions and cultures of Northeastern states in general. This museum is located on GNB Road at the southern end of the Dighali Pukhuri Tank. The building looks very big with a beautiful garden in the front. It is one of India’s largest multipurpose museums having more than twelve galleries. Out of the 14,000 objects collected nearly five thousand objects are kept on display in various sections.

 In manuscript Section ancient manuscripts in Assamese, Tai, and Myanmarese written on barks of trees are seen. In Arms and Ammunition section swords, daggers and shields used by Ahom kings and ammunitions of Koch and Mughal kings along with modern weapons and ammunition used by Japanese during II world War are seen. The cannons and cannon balls used by Ahom soldiers in wars are also displayed.

 In Pre-historic section specimens made of stone, wood, metal and terracotta objects belonging to Indus Valley Civilisation (Harappa and Mohenjodaro) and terracotta objects found in Assam and Northeast India are displayed. In Numuismatic and Sculptures section coins belonging to Ahom and Moghul periods are seen. A coin cabinet holding more than six thousand coins of reveals the large collection of coins of different periods and cultures. The metal statues of Durga, Vishnu and Nataraja are some of the attractive objects in this section.

In Epigraphy section copper plates and stone slabs with inscriptions describing victories, land grants and about construction of temples are seen. These inscriptions dating from fifth to eighteenth century are written in Sanskrit and Assamese in various scripts. In Sculptures and Handicrafts section sculptures of Vishnu, Durga, Surya and Shiva are seen. Objects made of bamboo and metal show the skills of folk art.

 In Ethnography section artifacts of ethnic communities of Assam such as Bodo,Rabha, Dimasa,Tiwa,Karbi,Sonowal and Kachari are displayed. Traditional homemade textiles, clay flute and ethnic dress items are seen. 

In Natural History section models of Rhinoceros, crocodiles, birds, moths and butterflies are displayed.On the ground floor a replica of Assamese cottage with various domestic tools and weapons are beautifully re-created. The local musical instruments, the village assembly, the festive celebration of tribal society are very picturesque and impressive. 

In the library established  on 26^th January,1984 one can see a very rich collection of periodicals, journals and books relating to art, culture, mythology. There is a conservation laboratory here which preserves and restores old sculptures, manuscripts, old coins, garments, sculptures and paintings. Nearly two thousand objects are preserved in this section. The Museum authorities recently celebrated their 79^th foundation day. They declared that they would develop the museum into a world-class museum and would also host a south-east Asian gallery. Really one feels that one has entered a new world and got a new glimpse of Assamese and Northeastern way of life and about their arts and traditions. 

This museum was founded by Kamarupa Anusandhan Samiti (Assam Research Society) in 1940 and was later taken over by the state Government in 1953. The working hours of this museum are from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. every day except on Monday and second and fourth Saturdays. The entry fee is Rs.10/- per person and for taking photos a special ticket for Rs.20/ is to be taken. In winter the opening hours are from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

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      3rd December, 2018                                              Somaseshu Gutala