From Delight to Dilemma: My Encounter with Kolkata’s Indian Museum

Visiting the Indian Museum in Kolkata was an attempt to escape the daily stresses and immerse myself in a world of history and culture. The museum, known for its diverse galleries, offered a variety of exhibits to explore. 

While the experience had its moments of fascination, there were also some aspects that left me wanting more. Join me as I recount my journey through the halls of the Indian Museum, highlighting the highs and lows of this renowned institution.



The Diverse Galleries:

Upon entering the museum, I was greeted by the prospect of an enriching journey. The ticket prices were reasonable, with an additional fee for photography enthusiasts. It's worth noting that photography was not allowed in certain sections, such as the captivating Egypt exhibit and the mysterious world of mummies. Nonetheless, I found solace in the zoology and Egypt sections, which captured my imagination and piqued my curiosity.

Some Pottery Gallery or something

Mineral Gallery

Cotton

Types of Coals

Stones

Something

Coin Gallery

Archeology
 

A Blend of Pleasure and Discomfort:

While the Indian Museum offered a multitude of galleries, there were a few drawbacks that dampened my experience. One aspect that stood out was the museum's non-air-conditioned environment. This became particularly bothersome in the sweltering heat, making it difficult to fully appreciate the exhibits. The placement of fans within the museum seemed haphazard, leading to inadequate ventilation and further discomfort.

 

1st floor

forgot what's it

Elephant

?

nice

some deer

some stone
 

The Ill-Lit Rooms:

Stepping into some of the rooms, I couldn't help but feel disappointed by the lack of proper lighting. The dimly lit spaces made it challenging to fully appreciate the artifacts on display. As I gazed at the specimens through dirty glass, I yearned for better visibility and a more engaging experience. The prevalence of duplicate specimens made the collection feel less authentic and left me wanting more genuine artifacts.

Persian calligraphy

some prince & princess (maybe?!)

look at the condition of the statue & museum itself!

Broken Budhha
 

Language Placement and Visitor Experience:

One peculiar aspect of the museum was the positioning of the Bengali language descriptions. Despite being located in Bengal and catering to a predominantly Bengali-speaking audience, the descriptions were placed at the end, causing some confusion. It seemed counterintuitive to prioritize other languages over the local one. This choice left me somewhat baffled and disrupted the flow of understanding for many visitors.

era of Shahjahan

Coins from Jahangir

imported

One of the cutest things: Silver 'coin' from the era of Muhammad 'Adil Shah (Bijapur)
 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while the Indian Museum holds historical and cultural significance, I wouldn't wholeheartedly recommend it to others due to the cons outweighing the positives. However, for those with a keen interest in specific sections or an eagerness to explore diverse artifacts, it may still hold some appeal. My visit served as a reminder that while museums are gateways to the past, they too must adapt and improve to create an engaging experience for modern-day visitors.

When I saw him, the ticket & time made its worth

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