Odisha State Museum

The genesis of the Odisha State Museum goes back to the year l932, when two notable Historians, Prof. N.C. Banerjee and Prof. Ghanshyam Dash of Ravenshaw College, Cuttack started collection of archaeological treasures from various places. The small Museum was then housed within the premises of the College. In l938, by a suitable order, the Government of Odisha transformed this nucleus into the Provincial Museum of Odisha and appointed Committee of Management consisting of the Principal, the Head of the Department of History and three other Professors of the College.

It was renamed State Museum and was shifted to Brahmananda building in old Bhubaneswar in 1945-46. From there it came to Patel Hall in 1950 and then to the building near High School of Unit-I. On December 27th, 1957 Dr.Rajendra Prasad, 1st President of India laid the foundation of the present Museum building under the leadership of Dr. H. K. Mahatab. In 1960, the great Institution was finally shifted to the present building. Initially it was part of education department. In 1958 it was handed over to the Cultural Affairs Department. The Odisha State Museum is situated at the junction of old temple city and new capital metropolis of Bhubaneswar amidst the ruins of an ancient fortification. It is the epitome of Odishan civilisation.It has preserved more than 56,000 rare antiquities ranging from early time to modern period.

The collections spread over eleven sections namely-

1. Archaeology :

Archaeology Gallery is famous for rare sculptures of Buddhist, Jaina, Saiva, Vaisnava and Sakta pantheons. The exhibits spread over three spacious halls, in the ground floor. The subject matters cover a long time span of 3000 years representing the flourishing plastic, artistic, sculptural and architectural trends and traditions of Odisha.The fragmentary Asokan pillar, bell capital, lion, the Buddha, Amoghasiddhi, Jaina Tirthankaras, Krishnavishnu, Kaliyadalana, Tantric figures of Chamunda, Manasa and sixheaded Kartikeya images etc.

2. Epigraphy & Numismatics :

In Epigraphy and Numismatic Section, Copper plate grants, stone inscriptions, a number of plastercast impressions and estampages of the originals, together with numismatic treasures like punch-marked coins of the pre-Mauryan and Mauryan age, Kusana and Pre- Kusana coins, Gupta gold coins, Sri Nanda, Kalachuri and Yadava coins, Ganga fanams and silver coins of Mughal emperors reflect the histrionic historical personality of Odisha .

3. Armoury :

Armoury section depicting variety of ancient weapons like swords, shields, battle axes, guns and cannons speaks of ancient Odishan Military traditions and the alloy technique employed in the metallurgy of ancient weaponry. Paintings of war scenes and model
of entrance of a historic fort instantly attract the visitiors.

4. Mining & Geology :

In Mining and Geology Gallery, semi precious stones, Khondolites and sand stones of which temples and sculptures are built, minerals like iron-ore, chromite, lead and bauxite etc. have been displayed. Here a fossilised leaf impression draws the attention of discerning tourists.

5. Natural History :

In Natural History Gallery birds and mammals of vertebrate and invertebrate specimens have been colourfully displayed in two spacious halls. It attracts the instant attention of visitors. The diaromas depicting the royal Bengal tiger, the leopards, variety of  Bisons, Nilgais, Black Bucks, Pangolin and birds preserved amidst natural habitat give a glimpse of the glittering animal kingdom of  Odisha.

6. Art & Craft :

In Art and Craft Section bewildering variety of Odishan handicrafts of exuberant artistic excellence find place together with bronzes from 8th century A.D. The royal insignia and sceptre of princely states of the gallery are effluent exhibits. The bell metal, docra art works and other folk art items of the gallery are unique.

7. Contemporary Art and Patta Painting :

The Patta Painting Gallery with depiction of Ravananugraha, Tadakabadha, Navagunjara, Buddha Charita, Jagannath triad, Kandarpahasti, Gopalila and Kaliyadalana scenes along with contemporary paintings and sculptures are connoisseur’s delight.

8. Anthropology :

The four dimensional Anthropology/ethnology Section of Odisha State Museum is visitor’s paradise. The showcases depicting tribal life and culture amidst original environmental milieu and ethos are of special significance. Their musical instruments with real audio presentations are the eye catcher of tourists. The tribal cottage assemblage presented in a special gallery with every details of an original tribal household is in fact a rare feast for the searching eyes. Their attires and ornaments are other highlights of the gallery.

9. Palmleaf Manuscripts :

Palmleaf manuscripts comprise twenty seven sections like Veda, Tantra, Darsana, Silpa Sastra, Abhidhana and Ayurveda etc. Palmleaf, bamboo leaf, handmade paper, old paper, manuscripts of ivory, bhurja bark and kumbhi bark etc. in various shapes like garland, fan, fish, sword, rat and parrot alongwith different types of stylus, express illustrated manuscripts of coloured and monochrome variety are excellently presented. Manuscripts of Gitagovinda, Usha Harana, Ushavilasa and Chausathiratibandha (64 erotic postures) and
different style of cover designs of palmleaf manuscripts are of special tourist interest.

The sprawling green garden, open air sculpture garden, children park and enchanting fountains etc. are its added attractions.Initially, it was only an Archaeological Museum with a collection of sculptures, terracotta, numismatics, copper plates and specimens of fine arts. With the growing interest of the staff and people, the antiquities were reorganized in a systematic manner.