A journey through galleries of time

The museum was established in 1955 in a palace built by Maharaja Chhatrasal, the founder of the Bundela Dynasty, and a significant portion of its collection belongs to this illustrious lineage.

Take a step back in time as the first two galleries unveil inscriptions and treasures from the Kalchuri and Bundela dynasties. The Jaina Gallery is a haven for art enthusiasts, boasting exquisite Chandela and Kalchuris sculptures like images of Sarvatomadrika, Yakshas and Yakshis. You will also find sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras - Aadinatha, Shantinatha, Naminatha, and Parshwanatha. Next, the Shaiva and Shakti galleries will captivate you with sculptures of Shiva Linga, Ravana-Anugraha, Uma-Maheshwara, Bhairava, Ganesha, Kartikeya and an 18th-century Nandi, along with Yogini images.

As you continue your journey, you'll discover the Painting Gallery, where a visual treat of theme-based paintings and remarkable pieces associated with the emperors of Rewa, Panna, and Charkhari awaits. For a touch of whimsy, step into the Amusement gallery, where eight massive convex-concave mirrors promise to entertain you with their playful reflections. Head further to the Arms & Weapons Gallery, which showcases several arms from the region, such as swords, shields, guns, bows and arrows and more. The highlights are the sword of Raiman Daua and the cannon of Adil Sher Shah. Don’t miss the Lalitkala and Vaishnava galleries either. While Lalitkala showcases various kinds of objects such as ivory, glass, wood, metal, and terracotta figures, Vaishnava displays rare and important sculptures of the Chandela and Kalchuri periods such as Sheshasayee Vishnu, Surya, Vamana, Parashurama, Hari-Hara-Pitamaha, Chaturvinshati forms (24 forms) of Vishnu.

The palace also features open-air displays on the upper and lower platforms, showcasing sculptures dating back to the medieval period. There is even a library with approximately 2300 books on history and archaeology!