Continents like Asia and Europe, as well as the rest of the world, offer various destinations for holistic living. One such destination is Swaswara, located on Om Beach in Gokarna. For a stay in Shekhawati, consider Piramal Haveli, which offers a unique and enjoyable experience. In the city of Pushkar, the Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa provides luxury travel options for pilgrims. Clarks Awadh offers a chance to experience the vibrant lifestyle of Lucknow. A visit to the Bihar Museum in Patna is a must, as it presents the history and heritage of Bihar in an engaging manner, particularly for young visitors.
Similar to many other museums, this museum also requires a significant amount of focus and time from visitors. Fortunately, they do allow photography, allowing visitors to take pictures with the beautiful artifacts.
Here are some notable objects that you should definitely visit when you go to the Bihar Museum in Patna.
The Didarganj Yakshi is a renowned sculpture found in Bihar Museum. This exquisite artwork depicts a Yakshi, a female nature spirit, holding a Chanvar or whisk in her hand. In the past, this sculpture was prominently displayed at Patna Museum, but it now occupies a central position at Bihar Museum, where it continues to captivate visitors.
The exhibit can be found in the specially designated area on the ground level. Visitors have the opportunity to freely move around the exhibit and admire it from various perspectives. The stone's impressive luster and the well-proportioned body of the exhibit leave viewers feeling amazed.
I often ponder about the level of beauty that the person being whisked by the whisk holder must possess, considering how stunning the whisk holder herself is. Unfortunately, we can only speculate. The whisk holder is crafted from gentle Chunar sandstone and dates back to the era of the Mauryas.
The Bihar Museum displays numerous Buddha statues and images, reflecting the significance of this region as the land where Buddha spent a significant portion of his life and achieved enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. These artifacts showcase the various time periods in which they were created.
In this place, there are numerous statues made of stone and metal that are worth appreciating. Personally, my preferred one is the significant statue showcasing the Bhumi Sparsh Mudra, which symbolizes the moment of enlightenment when the Buddha touched the earth. The background of the statue is designed to resemble the forest, allowing you to transport yourself to that specific moment in space and time.
Metal statues of the Standing Buddha are another must-see attraction that should not be overlooked.
Learn more about the meaning and significance of narratives depicted in Buddhist art
The art of Paper Mache is a popular form of artistic expression in Bihar, among many others. In this particular case, a striking sculpture of a folk deity named Matrika has been created using the technique of paper mache, resulting in a larger-than-life representation.
The image depicts two women standing back to back while holding a child. I was informed that such scenes can be observed in the villages of Bihar. However, during my visits, I did not come across any instances of this custom. Hopefully, this tradition is not disappearing.
Additionally, there are wall paintings created using the technique of paper mache, which give a three-dimensional effect
Madhubani is known for its unique art form called Mithila Paintings. To gain a comprehensive understanding of these paintings, you can refer to our in-depth article on Madhubani Paintings. One specific type of painting that is created during weddings is called Kohbar, which holds a significant ritualistic importance
The Bihar Museum showcases a variety of exquisite paintings, including both colored and red & white ones. It provides an ideal opportunity to explore the intricate details of Kohbar paintings, which are rich in auspicious symbols representing prosperity and fertility.
Experience the life of a Mauryan royal at Patna, the capital of the powerful Mauryan empire. The remains of the renowned Sabhagriha, or hall, can be discovered in Kumrahar, located in present-day Patna. The Bihar Museum has recreated this hall to the best of its abilities, giving visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the Mauryan era.
There is a throne from the Mauryan era that you can sit on and have your picture taken. It is a memorable experience that you can carry with you.
The Brahmi script is not easily readable by most people today. It contains ancient symbols that hold the secrets of our past. When we encounter these symbols, they signify a message or writing that was left by our ancestors. In a sense, these symbols act as capsules that allow us to travel back in time and connect with our history.
There is a large wall that allows you to appreciate this intricate design. I really enjoy having a photo of myself standing beside it.
The Nalanda University, which is an ancient establishment, currently lies in ruins and is made of exposed red bricks. During the excavation process, many sculptures, known as Murtis, were discovered in the wall niches. These sculptures are now exhibited at the ASI Site museum, which is located near the Nalanda site. Visitors have the opportunity to observe photographs from the time of the excavation.
The Bihar Museum has reconstructed the niches and displayed both replicas and original sculptures inside them. This allows visitors to easily imagine and experience what Nalanda was like in the past. I have vivid memories of the stunning Vishnu sculptures made of polished stone.
Surya Murtis
Bihar is known for its deep-rooted tradition of sun worship, making it a unique place where the practice of Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God, still persists. Numerous Sun temples can be found throughout the different regions of Bihar.
In certain villages, people have discovered Surya Murtis either in village ponds or through unplanned excavations. A collection of impressive Surya Murtis can be found at the Bihar Museum in Patna.
There is a vivid memory I have of a large sculpture depicting the Sun riding on a chariot pulled by seven horses. One can recognize the sculpture of Surya Murti by observing a male figure holding two fully bloomed lotus flowers in its hands. Another distinguishing feature is the presence of oversized gum boots and the seven horses accompanying the figure.
When visiting the sculptures, don't forget to check out the life-sized stone statues of Matrikas on the first floor as well.
Familiarize Yourself with the Archaeological Map of Bihar
Bihar holds the distinction of being one of the most ancient regions in India that has been inhabited without interruption. It was known as Magadha and Anga during the time of the Mahabharata. Additionally, it served as the capital city of the Mauryan Empire, known as Pataliputra. Bihar also boasts renowned educational institutions such as Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Odantpuri.
The land of Bihar holds a rich history that remains concealed within its layers. A visually appealing map showcases the various archaeological sites located in this region. The process of archaeological excavations is beautifully depicted, providing insight into the techniques employed by archaeologists. Additionally, you have the opportunity to explore the tools used by these experts and gain knowledge about the ordinary artifacts discovered during these excavations, such as coins, tools, and pottery.
I found this part of the content to be highly informative and visually captivating.
Animated Madhubani Paintings
Madhubani Paintings are commonly associated with Bihar and are known as the distinctive art form of this region worldwide. During my visit to the Bihar Museum, I was delighted to encounter an innovative rendition of Madhubani paintings. Panels featuring digital paintings come to life and animate when you stand before them.
Gently, the background music of the scene fills the air through the speakers. During my visit, there was a large gathering which made it challenging to fully appreciate the music. However, I believe it is an excellent means to gain insight into the culture of Bihar.
In addition to this, visitors can explore a variety of other attractions at the Bihar Museum. These include a display of various art forms that originate from Bihar, such as Manjusha paintings, Seekhi art, and terracotta carvings.
The Wildlife of Bihar exhibit showcases dioramas representing the wildlife found in Bihar. I found the map of wildlife to be quite interesting. It would be great if there are proper facilities in place at these locations to allow visitors to observe the wildlife in their natural habitats.
The section for children is designed to engage them in a highly creative manner.
Every successful civilization relies on trade and commerce, and Bihar is no exception. The Bihar Museum offers a fascinating insight into the coins, traded goods, and the lives of traders throughout history. The exhibition also includes interesting displays of unique weights and measures used in trade.
Helpful Suggestions for Visiting Bihar Museum
The Bihar Museum is situated in the heart of Patna, making it easily noticeable and accessible.
It is recommended to allocate a minimum of a few hours to fully explore it, but dedicating an entire day would be optimal.
The museum has a restaurant that serves Litti Chokha, a traditional dish.
To obtain further information, please refer to the museum's website where you can find a map
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