Mahant Ghasidas Museum

Around 125 year’s back Raipur had its first Ajayabghar. Raja Mahant
Ghasidas of Rajnandgaon in 1875 gave it a new face of Modern Museum and
established it near D. K. Hospital. Queen Jyoti Devi & her son Digvijay Das
founded it again on 21st March 1953. Dr.Rajendra Prasad, the first president
of free India, inaugurated it. It covers nearly 2 hectares of land.

The museum has a wonderful collection of ancient coins, ancient inscriptions,

kalachuri sculptures, Buddist bronzes, an interesting depiction of clothes,
ornaments and various articles of daily use of various tribes of Chattisgarh.

The antiques of the museum are displayed in various sections. "The

Archaeology Gallery" takes one back to the Stone Age with its depiction of
the stone articles in use at that time. "The Sculpture Gallery" makes us gaze
at craftsmanhip of the idols of Gods & Goddesses and stone carvings, some
of which are really intricate. "The Natural History Gallery" makes us wonder
at the diversity of nature. It is most popular among children. "The
Anthropology Gallery" displays clothes, ornaments etc. "The Tribal Gallery"
has a model of a man & woman dressed in traditional attire alongwith a
depiction of tribal gods and goddesses, folk dances and special cultural
activities. There is a section called "Ancient Arms and Armoury " which
have been procured from Bastar, Sarguja, and Raigarh.

The museum also boasts of a library that keeps books on science, arts,
literature, religion, philosophy, history, archaeology and various other
subjects. Apart from this, the library subscribes to various newspapers and
magazines in Hindi and English .
"MAHANT GHASIDAS MEMORIAL MUSEUM " is eloquent of the rich culture
of Chattisgarh. It is a must-see especially for all those visiting Chattisgarh for
the first time.