Continents like Asia and Europe, as well as the rest of the world, offer unique travel experiences. One such experience is holistic living at Swaswara, located on Om Beach in Gokarna. For accommodation in Shekhawati, consider staying at Piramal Haveli. If you're looking for luxury travel in a pilgrim's city, Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is an excellent choice. Immerse yourself in the Lucknow lifestyle by staying at Clarks Awadh. When visiting Patna, make sure to visit the Bihar Museum, which is centrally located and showcases the history and heritage of Bihar in an engaging way, particularly for younger visitors.
Similar to other museums, this particular one requires a significant amount of focus and time. Luckily, photography is permitted, allowing visitors to capture photos of themselves alongside the charming artifacts.
Below is a list of several important items that are worth visiting at the Bihar Museum located in Patna.
The Didarganj Yakshi is a renowned sculpture displayed at the Bihar Museum. This beautiful artwork depicts a Yakshi, a female nature spirit, holding a Chanvar or whisk in her hand. It was originally a prominent exhibit at the Patna Museum before being relocated to the Bihar Museum, where it continues to hold a central position.
The exhibit is showcased in the specially designed hall located on the ground level. Visitors have the opportunity to freely move around it and admire it from various perspectives. The stone's impressive luster and the well-proportioned body of the exhibit are truly captivating, leaving observers in a state of wonder.
I often find myself pondering about the beauty of the whisk holder and speculating on how even more exquisite the person she is whisking must be. Unfortunately, we can only imagine. This whisk holder is intricately carved from Chunar sandstone and dates back to the ancient era of the Mauryas.
The Bihar Museum displays a collection of Buddha images. Bihar is a significant place in relation to Buddha's life, as he spent a majority of his time in this region and achieved enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. It is not surprising to find numerous statues and images of Buddha from various time periods in this area.
There are numerous stone and metal sculptures that are worth appreciating. Personally, I am particularly fond of the massive one depicting the Bhumi Sparsh Mudra, which symbolizes the moment of enlightenment through the earth touching gesture. The background of the sculpture accurately portrays the surrounding forest, transporting you to that specific moment and location.
Metal statues of the Standing Buddha are another must-see attraction that should not be overlooked.
Delve deeper – Enhancing comprehension of narratives depicted in Buddhist art
The art of paper mache is a popular art form in Bihar, and one example of it is a sculpture made in the form of a folk deity named Matrika. This sculpture is larger in size than usual, showcasing the creativity and skill of the artist.
The image depicts two women standing back to back, each holding a child. I was informed that similar images can be observed in the villages of Bihar. However, during my visits, I did not come across any such images. It is concerning to think that this might be a fading tradition.
In addition to that, there are wall paintings created using paper mache that have a three-dimensional appearance.
Madhubani is known for its unique style of art called Mithila Paintings. To gain a better understanding of these paintings, you can refer to our comprehensive article on Madhubani Paintings. In this article, we also discussed the significance of Kohbar, a traditional painting created specifically for wedding ceremonies.
When you visit the Bihar Museum, you will have the opportunity to admire magnificent paintings that showcase vibrant colors as well as red and white hues. This museum is an ideal setting to gain a profound understanding of the intricacies of Kohbar art, which is rich in auspiciousness, prosperity, and fertility symbols.
Take on the role of a Mauryan royal in the city of Patna, also known as Pataliputra, which served as the capital of the powerful Mauryan empire. The remains of the renowned Sabhagriha, or hall, have been discovered in Kumrahar, located in Patna. The Bihar Museum endeavors to recreate this historical structure to the best of its ability.
There is a Mauryan throne available for people to sit on and have their picture taken. This experience can be cherished as a lasting memory.
The Brahmi script is not easily decipherable by most people. It contains the secrets and knowledge of the past within its unique characters. When we encounter these ancient letters, they serve as evidence of inscriptions or messages that our ancestors have left behind for us. In a sense, they can be seen as capsules that allow us to travel back in time.
There is a massive wall that allows you to appreciate this intricate design. I really enjoy the photo of me standing beside it.
The remains of the ancient Nalanda University have been reconstructed using red bricks. During the excavation, numerous sculptures called Murtis were discovered in the wall niches. These sculptures are currently exhibited at the ASI Site museum, located near the site. Visitors have the opportunity to view old photographs from the excavation period.
In the Bihar Museum, there are recreated niches that display both replica and original Murtis (sculptures). This allows visitors to easily imagine and understand how Nalanda appeared in the past. I have a vivid memory of the gorgeous Vishnu Murtis made of gleaming polished stone.
Bihar is known for its tradition of worshiping the sun, making it a significant land for sun worship. The practice of Chhath Puja, a form of sun worship, is unique to Bihar and is celebrated widely. Throughout Bihar, there are numerous temples dedicated to the sun deity.
In certain villages, Surya Murtis have been discovered either in village ponds or through unplanned excavations. A collection of excellent Surya Murtis can be observed at the Bihar Museum located in Patna.
There is a vivid memory I have of a grand sculpture depicting the Sun traveling on a chariot pulled by seven horses. One can recognize the Surya Murti by observing a male figure holding two fully bloomed lotus flowers in its hands. Another distinguishing feature is the inclusion of large gum boots and the presence of seven horses.
When you visit the sculptures, don't forget to check out the stone Matrikas on the first floor, which are made to scale and
Familiarize Yourself with Bihar's Archaeological Map
Bihar, an ancient region in India, has a long history of human settlement. It was known as Magadha and Anga during the time of the Mahabharata epic. It was also the location of Pataliputra, the capital city of the Mauryan Empire, and was home to renowned educational institutions such as Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Odantpuri.
The history of this land is deeply embedded in its layers. A visually appealing map showcases the various archaeological sites situated in Bihar. It provides an informative representation of the process involved in excavating these sites. Exploring the map allows you to discover the tools utilized by archaeologists and gain knowledge about the common artifacts unearthed, such as coins, tools, and pottery.
I found this specific section to be highly informative and visually captivating.
Madhubani Paintings, known for their association with Bihar, are considered the symbol of this region globally. During my visit to the Bihar Museum, I was delighted to witness an animated rendition of Madhubani paintings. Digital panels depicting these paintings come to life and move when you stand in front of them.
Gently, the background music connected to the setting is heard from the overhead speakers. When I went there, a large crowd had gathered, making it challenging to fully appreciate the music. Nevertheless, I believe it is an excellent method to gain insight into the culture of Bihar.
In addition to the aforementioned attractions, visitors to the Bihar Museum can also explore a wide range of art forms that represent Bihar, including Manjusha, Seekhi art, and terracotta carvings.
The Wildlife of Bihar exhibit showcases dioramas depicting the diverse wildlife found in Bihar. I particularly enjoyed examining the detailed map that depicted the various wildlife species. I am hopeful that the areas mentioned on the map have adequate tourism facilities so that visitors can experience the wildlife in their natural habitats.
The children's area at this location actively encourages kids to participate in creative activities.
Commerce has always been a crucial aspect of successful civilizations, and Bihar is no exception. When visiting the Bihar Museum, you will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the coins used, the items that were traded, and gain insights into the lives of traders. The exhibition also includes interesting displays of peculiar weights and measurements that were utilized during this time.
If you are in Patna, you must visit the Bihar Museum as it is located in a central area and is easily noticeable.
It is recommended to allocate a minimum of a few hours to fully experience it, although dedicating an entire day would be the most optimal.
There is a dining establishment located within the museum premises that offers the opportunity to enjoy a traditional dish known as Litti Chokha.
To obtain additional information, please refer to the museum's website and consult their map.
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