Read about the design approach to the Museum building by Japanese architects Maki and Associates....
Bihar Museum’s History Gallery exhibits follow a chronological order as Prehistory, Protohistory, Early Bihar, the Rise of Magadha and successive dynasties. Thematic zones explore the growth of Buddhism and Jainism, the Mauryan empire and Ashoka. Other major sections are the Gupta empire, the important Mahaviharas, the Pala dynasty, the Medieval period and Mughal rule. The Visible Storage gallery has a unique terracotta collection from Bihar and other major historical sites of the Indian sub- continent. The Coin Storage is attached to this section.
Historical Art and Regional Art engage with interpretive approaches to art. Bihari Diaspora explores the contribution of Bihari people in making indelible imprints in the history and culture of lands where they settled. Battling extremely adverse conditions, the migrant population along with Bihari greats have impacted the destiny of history, culture and society of India. The Children’s Gallery is designed as a separate section.
At the Orientation gallery, you will get an overview of all the Museum galleries and how historians interpret history employing various scientific methods and research. At the Orientation Theatre, the pre-show film will take you on a journey to prehistoric sites that were discovered.
The Children’s Gallery brings the history of Bihar and natural history alive for children through experiential learning zones. Fun-filled activities combine education with entertainment, encouraging learning by doing. Enter a fascinating world with interactive audio-visuals and entertaining exhibits!
COMING SOON • Explore the prehistory and protohistory of the Indian subcontinent with a focus on Bihar! Discover Indus Valley, the second urbanization, Buddhism and Jainism. Journey into the past to discover Haryanka, Shishunagas and Nandas. Witness the Mauryan Dynasty’s rise and the grandeur of Ashoka’s reign.
History Gallery B has exhibits on the Sungas, the Kushanas and Kushana art, followed by the Gupta Empire, arts and culture. There is an exhibit on the Mundeshwari Temple and on Harshavardhana. The journey continues on to the Great Buddhist Mahaviharas, the Palas of Bengal and three sections on Pala sculptures.
COMING SOON • History Gallery C recreates Medieval Bihar, Delhi and Bengal Sultanates, the Mughals and Sur Dynasty, British Accession and battles for Bihar at Plassey and Buxar. Bihar during The Nawabs of Bengal, Patna School of Painting, Sufism in Bihar and Patna’s connect with Sikhism are main sections.
COMING SOON • The Visible Storage section displays priceless objects including an impressive collection of terracotta artefacts and sculptures. The Coin Storage takes you through a journey from the earliest currency of punch-marked coins to medieval coins
COMING SOON • The gallery’s star attraction is the world-famous Didarganj Yakshi in Chunar sandstone from the Mauryan period. The exquisite craftsmanship of the Patna School Paintings, Bronzes, Buddhist and Jain art can be seen here. Other sections have Female Deities and Terracotta Artefacts, Hindu Deities and Daniell Prints, Thangka Paintings, Buddhist art and medieval Miniature Paintings.
COMING SOON • The Regional Art Gallery will show curated exhibitions of Bihari craftsmanship, folk culture and traditions.
COMING SOON • The Bihari Diaspora gallery provides the historic context of relocation of Biharis and recent stories that illustrate the influence Bihar has had around the world. It continues the narrative beyond the History Galleries taking the story of Bihar into the modern world.
