The Rich Heritage of Bishnupur Museum: A Portal to Bengal’s Glorious Past
- Ranu Das
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 4
Bishnupur, a small town in West Bengal’s Bankura district, is a place where tradition lives on through art, music, and heritage. From terracotta temples that tell epic stories, to the classical tunes of the Bishnupur Gharana and the elegant Baluchari sarees, every corner of this town reflects its rich culture. Amid this artistic landscape, the Bishnupur Museum — officially known as Acharjya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan — stands as a silent guardian of Bengal’s glorious past. It is more than a museum; it is a living archive of art, devotion, and royal legacy, capturing the essence of a civilization that once thrived under the Malla kings.
As one of the only museums in Bankura, the Acharjya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhavan was established in 29 January, 1951. Today, it is managed by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, under the Ministry of Information and Culture, Government of West Bengal. The museum plays an important role in preserving the rich history and cultural heritage of Bishnupur and its surrounding areas.
It is especially known for showcasing the traditional terracotta art and other indigenous crafts that reflect the artistic identity of Bankura.The museum is located on lalbandh Ramananda College More, close to the historic temple complex of Bishnupur, making it easily accessible for visitors exploring the town’s rich heritage.
The Bishnupur Museum is a double-storied yellow building that houses five key galleries, each focusing on a unique aspect of the region’s heritage:
(i) Archaeology Gallery : This gallery is containing the explored Medieval stone sculptures belonging to Jain, Saiva, Shakta and Vaisnava cultures. Beside these items ancient manuscripts and coins of ancient periods are also being also displayed here.
(ii) Music Gallery : Having a good number of photographs of notable musicians of famous Bishnupur Dhrupad Gharana. Some musical instruments like Siter, Surbahar, Pankhoaj, Jaltaranga, Nastaranga, Esraj etc. used by Gopeswar Banerjee, Surendranath Banerjee, Bindabasini Devi and others of this Gharana.
(iii) Folk Art Handicrafts Gallery : Having folk dolls and toys of different districts of West Bengal, Patachittra, Dokra art, Terracotta art of Panchmura, Conch shell art, Baluchari sarees, Wood crafts, Stone crafts, Coconut shell art, Dasavatar Tass etc.
(iv) Anthropology Gallery : The objects for the visitors in this gallery are traditional metal utensils of Bengal, tribal musical instruments, Palaeolithic, Microlithic and Neolithic tools, Chalcolithic, Early-historic and Medieval antique remains collected from Dihar and other sites of this district are visible in this gallery. A good number of pata paintings belonging to medieval period are, Dokra art etc. are also displayed here.
(v) Freedom Fighters Gallery : The Freedom Fighters Gallery is a compelling tribute to brave individuals who fought for justice and freedom our county. Through captivating exhibits and stories, it honors their unwavering commitment to liberty, inspiring visitors to reflect on the enduring significance of this struggles.
Museum also has nearly three thousand documented ancient manuscripts of different subjects like Kavya, Ayurveda, Smriti, Puran, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Byakarana, Vaisnava tattva, Jyotisa, Tantra, Philosophy etc. Out of these manuscripts four hundred and thirty manuscripts have been digitized.
A visit to the Bishnupur Museum is not just a walk through history — it's an experience that connects you to Bengal’s rich cultural roots. Whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, or a curious traveler, this museum offers something unique and meaningful for everyone.
• Entry Fee: ₹5 per person
• Closed on Mondays
• Open on all other days with access to all galleries and exhibits
So, if you ever find yourself in Bishnupur, don’t miss the chance to explore this quiet yet powerful space that tells the story of a glorious past through art, music, and tradition.
