The Ajmer Government Museum, also known as the Government Museum or Bharatpur Museum, is a treasure trove of historical artefacts of the Mughals and Rajputs. Preserving the legacy of the past, the museum is found within the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar’s fortified palace making it an architectural masterpiece. It has many interesting historical items such as paintings, sculptures, armours, and inscriptions. It is a must-visit destination for history buffs who want to know more about Rajasthan’s colourful past. The various galleries within the museum are spectacularly categorised into sections to provide insights into the life of the ancient time. It provides an enriching experience to every visitor.
About Government Museum
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The Government Museum of Ajmer is an excellent source of information for everyone. From students to the elderly, the museum will pique your curiosity like never before. It encourages you to ask more questions and go deeper into things you always thought about but never really explored. The museum provides a captivating educational experience that will make you feel proud of India and the history it continues to create. It will take you back to the times of the Maharajas and make history come to life in the best way imaginable.
What makes the museum stand out from the other museums is the architecture. As it is housed within a fort, a historical monument itself, you feel like you are part of the legacy. This enhances your experience and every second becomes valuable. The most fascinating thing about the museum is the artistry of the past and the skillset they possessed. With hand carving at its peak, you can view the intricacy and the absolute detailing with which the items were made. The realistic sculptures and the colourful paintings are the tip of the iceberg as there is so much to explore and learn for everyone.
Entry Timings: 9:45 am to 5:15 pm, Monday to Sunday (Holiday on Dhulandi)
Entry fee: Free entry (children younger than 7 years old), INR 20 (Indian Students), INR 50 (Indian Adults), INR 200 (Foreign Adults), INR 100 (Foreign Students)
Free entry days: World Heritage Day, Rajasthan Diwas, World Tourism Day, World Museum Day
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History Of Government Museum
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The popular archaeologist Sir John Marshall, who was the Director General of Archaeology in India, is the brainchild of the Government Museum. He proposed the construction of a museum in Ajmer and in October 1908, a museum called Rajputana Museum was established. The museum was housed within the Mughal Fort, originally built in 1570 AD by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The museum’s first curator was Pandit Gauri Shankar Hirachand Ojha Ji. He curated various metal and stone inscriptions, armouries, metal and stone sculptures, copper plates, ancient coins, paintings, etc.
The purpose of establishing a museum was to preserve the many objects of interest in a single place. Earlier, these were all over Rajasthan, with no single preservation site. This increased the chance of loss and damage. When the museum was established, all of them were brought together and categorized carefully to be displayed. Today, the delightful museum remains one of the oldest in the state, with many intriguing items of interest to every history enthusiast and those interested in Rajasthan’s rich history. It is managed by the Rajasthan State Government.
What To See At The Government Museum
The museum has been categorised carefully to ensure it is easy to quickly get to the various sections of interest. It has items dating to the significant Gupta and late medieval periods. The archaeology section houses all the archaeology-related items in one place for you to see and determine how far we have come as a civilization. The weapons and arms are in the armoury section of the museum. There is also an art section where paintings and more can be found. The children’s gallery is also a part of the museum. You can also find epigraphs, sculptures, and antiquities at the museum.
The museum is next to a library where you can see many rare books that you never knew existed. This is a perfect opportunity for bookworms to learn about books that are not easily available to the public. The library also houses a range of significant publications of the past that are highly important from a historical point of view. If you have the time, you should visit the library when you visit the museum, as it will make you appreciate the Rajasthan state even more. There are Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpara and other exhibits as well that form the museum’s reserve collection.
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How To Reach
It is easy to reach the Government Museum as you can travel anywhere. Many buses run regularly from the capital to Ajmer and from other major cities in Rajasthan. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or book a cab to the museum. The nearest railway station is Ajmer Junction Railway Station, just 1 km from the museum. You can hire an auto directly to the museum. The closest domestic airport is the Kishangarh Airport, which is just 30.5 km away from the museum. If you hire a taxi or cab, It will take around 50 minutes to get there.
Tips For Visiting
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- If you want to avoid the rush, go in the morning as the museum can fill with people by the evening.
- Avoid making unnecessary noise inside the museum and maintain decorum at all times.
- It would help if you toured the museum properly, so do not rush the tour.
- You can purchase tickets from the museum’s counter or book them online, which is more convenient and faster.
- Do not touch the sculptures or tap on the glass of the exhibits, as it is prohibited.
- If a child is accompanying you, make sure you hold their hand so they do not cause damage.
- The museum provides information in braille and is wheelchair-accessible, enabling everyone to enjoy a slice of history.
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Make your trip to Rajasthan more gripping by visiting the Government Museum of Ajmer. From art enthusiasts to history buffs, the museum will enthral each one in a way you have never experienced before. Take a journey through time and explore the historically significant era. The museum’s offerings will fascinate you and encourage you to discover things you never knew about or dared to explore.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Government Museum
Where is the museum located?
The museum is built in the Akbar Fort which is considered among the most significant Mughal buildings. Emperor Akbar’s son Prince Salim used to live here.
What can you see at the museum?
The museum houses some of the most interesting things to see such as miniature paintings, sculptures, arms, armour, and prehistoric antiquities.
When is the best time to visit the museum?
You can visit the museum throughout the year but if you want to participate in other outdoor activities in Ajmer the time from October to February is the optimal time.
Who manages the Government Museum?
The museum was managed by the Government of India from the beginning. Today, it is managed by the Rajasthan Government.
When is the museum most crowded?
During the free entry days, the museum is most crowded. If you want to peacefully view the artefacts, it is best to go on weekdays in the morning time.
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