Remains of palaces, whether in the complete original form or moderated ruins, that are enmeshed with history in ways that will blow us away, are always a puissant reminder of our humble roots. We find means, often, to be ensnarled by our past but it is these historical symbols that prod us to be au fait with our ancestors’ lives, modalities, and their creations.
One such historical emblem is the Central Museum of Indore. Even though the city is unabridged with tokens of India’s colonial past, this museum has more to it that protects its famous aura. Prepare to be awe-inspired, people, as we travel through the sands of time to visit this museum from the past.
Evolution of the museum
Constructed in 1923, the museum was erected during the reign of King Tukojirao III of the Holkar Dynasty. It was built as a part of the education department named ‘Nararatna Mandir’ on MG Road (today, the Devlalikar gallery). At the time, it is said that the institution was a cynosure of information and documents about preeminent personalities. It also had a library for the purpose of preserving information.
It was in 1965 that the museum shifted to the present location, near the Residency Kothi, and was proclaimed as the Central Museum to reserve the antiquities of the historic period.
It falls under the Madhya Pradesh government’s administration and currently makes for one of the most remarkable historical buildings in the city. It is also renowned for its enormous collection of prehistoric artefacts and various illuminating galleries containing tons of stunning stone sculptures, coins, relics, and more.
Galleries galore
At the moment, the museum engulfs some eight galleries showcasing historical objects under arms and armors, pre-medieval and medieval scriptures, and more such categories that rank high on the list of things that intrigue history enthusiasts. There’s also an enticing coin gallery with a humongous variety of coins from the times and empires of Kushan, Ujjain, Vallabh, Naga, Gupta, Parmara, Malva, Mughal, Holkar, and more. Similarly, the Inscription gallery houses stone inscriptions from as far as 710 AD, copper plates from the Gupta dynasty, and, well, you get the idea.
New galleries have also been added to the list so the objects of interest keep proliferating here. Basically, the museum is constantly updated to keep it in touch with modern times, too.
A portal to the past
Open this famed portal to the past and draw a trajectory of the glorious times of the rich symbols of Indian history and archaeology at the Central Museum of Indore.
Location: Near GPO Square, Residency, Navlakha, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM; closed on Mondays and government holidays
Entry Fee: ₹ 10 for Indians; ₹ 100 for foreigners
P.S. If you want to want to photograph or capture videos, you’d have to pay extra for the same.
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