Enjoy a tour through a treasure trove of history

As you stroll through the ancient streets and ghats of Varanasi, make sure not to miss out on one of its gems – the Bharat Kala Bhavan. Situated within the Banaras Hindu University’s campus, this museum holds treasures of art, history, and archaeological wonders. It is one of the oldest museums in India and an important landmark of Varanasi.

The museum was established in 1920 and offers a great journey through Indian culture and civilisation. Wander through its halls, and you'll be greeted by an array of paintings, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, textiles, costumes, and various artefacts that echo India's past. Even Mahatma Gandhi acknowledged the significance of Bharat Kala Bhavan during his visits, praising the collection as "extremely good."

Marvel at the museum’s fascinating history

Visiting the museum will let you uncover a history that is as intriguing as its exhibits. The first honorary chairman of the museum was the illustrious Nobel Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore. Padmavibhushan Rai Krishnadasa, a luminary in Hindi literature, also played a pivotal role in the museum's development. He dedicated his entire life to the collection of various combinations of artworks for Bharat Kala Bhavan, which is what transformed the museum into the beacon of culture you see today.

Explore galleries that showcase a bygone era

As you enter Bharat Kala Bhavan, you will come across a total of 11 galleries - each a unique window into India's past. Stroll through the popular sections of the galleries like the Archaeological, Banaras, Painting, Textile, and Decorative Art sections, they will all leave you completely spellbound. You can also venture into the Alice Boner Gallery, which was established in 1989 as a beautiful tribute to mark the birth centenary of Alice Boner.

As you explore further, you will encounter a wealth of historical coins, from the earliest times to the present. Take a moment to marvel at the collection of coins such as Lyrist and Ashvamedha types of Samudragupta, Chandragupta II's Chhatra and horseman types, Kumargupta's Karttikeya type, and a coin of Emperor Jehangir featuring his portraits and zodiac symbols.

The main hall features a figure of Lord Krishna lifting Govardana. Keep walking through the hall and you'll come upon rare images that bear witness to the Krishna cult's existence in Kashi during the 15th and 16th centuries of the Gupta period.

A modern touch to the realm of history

Come and admire the museum’s remarkable effort to use sustainable energy as it relies solely on a light and sound system powered by solar energy. Check out the modern showcases and digital kiosks that are being integrated into the museum to ensure the longevity of the priceless artefacts. Climate control cabinets are also being implemented to protect the artefacts from rain, moisture, and sunlight, further emphasising the museum's commitment to preserving cultural heritage for generations to come.

So, as you embark on your Varanasi journey, make sure to include Bharat Kala Bhavan on your itinerary for a captivating odyssey through India's rich history and culture.