Gujarat • 4 monuments
One of the oldest museums in Gujarat, founded in 1877 by Maharao Khengarji, Kutch museum has the largest collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, most of which dating to the 1st century AD. Especially noteworthy among the collection is the oldest Kshatrap inscription found in Andhau and the only Gujarati Abhir inscription of the 3rd century. The museum also has the rare displays of extinct Kutchi script apart from a great collection of coins, including the local currency of Kutch, kori, which were in use till 1948. Out of the 11 different sections, a complete section is dedicated to the musical instruments such as Nagfani. If archaeology is your passion then the section of Indus seals and stone tablets would be of special interest to you. The museum also has an exclusive section dedicated to tribal cultures with an impressive collection of arts and crafts, musical instruments, metal work and tribal paintings are put up for display. Kutch Museum also holds the rare distinction of being the first museum to go online in the year 2010.
A royal fantasy conceived by a local ruler Maharao Lakhpatiji resulted into the 18th century Aina Mahal also referred to as the Palace of Mirrors. The inimitable Indo-European architecture of the palace was conferred by the chief architect Ram Singh Malam who interestingly got the palace’s construction materials manufactured right at Bhuj. Exquisite mirror work, glass embellishments and blue delftware tiles endow the palace with a fairy-tale appeal. Hall of Mirrors with Rocco style mirrors, Durbar Hall, mesmerizing candelabra with Venetian touch, Venetian chandeliers, Chinese armoire, tiger head, inlaid doors, royal palanquins, pleasure pool and many other highlights entertain the visitors at this palace, which now operates as a museum. Put on display are some extremely interesting items like Maharao’s royal bed, European celestial globes, Dutch clock, regional embroidery and handicrafts and antiques and paintings. Located nearby are equally enthralling attractions like Prag Mahal Palace, Swaminarayan Temple, royal cenotaphs and Bhujiyo Hill.
Prag Mahal, an outstanding 19th century palace flaunting the enchanting Italian Gothic Architecture, is among the top attractions in the city of Bhuj. Located close to another spectacular palace called Aaina Mahal, the palace was constructed over the course of 14 years by Rao Pragmalji II and his son. Apart from the Italian marble, Rajasthani sandstone was used in constructing this architectural wonder. Among the top highlights of the palace are its Corinthian pillars and intricate lattice work which features motifs of animals and plants (of European origin). Chandeliers, statues and many other artefacts at the Durbar Hall are worth exploring. The 45 ft. high clock tower within the premises offers outstanding views of the entire city. Another highlight is the Hindu temple in the back courtyard, admirable for its beautiful stonework. Interestingly, many popular songs and scenes from popular Hindi movies are shot at the palace.
The vivacious and colourful culture of Kutch is displayed at Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Museum. Built by Ramsinhji K Rathod, a scholar, the museum houses more than 4.500 exhibits collected from different villages and rural areas of the region. One of the main sections is devoted to the display of Indian literary work. In addition, there are sections exhibiting collections of wood work, stone carvings, paintings, silver work and terracotta. Sections showing leather embroidery work, bead work, weapons and musical instruments are also worth exploring. One can also find a huge collection of hundreds of rare books. Textile arts and archaeological sections complete the picture. Kothala, a type of treasury used to keep valuables in the ancient times, is another highlight of the museum.
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