Bangladesh National Museum: A Treasure Trove of History and Culture
Bangladesh National Museum in Dhaka is a treasure trove of history and culture from the ancient, pre-Mughal, and Mughal periods. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the history and culture of Bangladesh. Established in 1913, the museum is home to a wide range of artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts from the country’s past.
An Overview of Bangladesh National Museum
The Bangladesh National Museum is located in Shahbag, Dhaka and is the country’s largest museum. It is home to over 50,000 artifacts which were collected from different parts of the country. The museum was established in 1913 and is divided into four main galleries: the main gallery, the archaeological gallery, the folk and decorative arts gallery, and the numismatic gallery. The museum also holds more than 1,000 manuscripts and rare books, which can be found in the library and reading room.
Exploring the Main Gallery
The main gallery is the largest and most impressive section of the museum. It is home to a wide range of artifacts and sculptures that date back to the 5th century BC. Highlights include the terracotta sculptures from the Pala period, a collection of coins from different parts of the world, and paintings from the Mughal and post-Mughal periods. The gallery also features stone sculptures, bronze statues, and ivory carvings from the Hindu and Buddhist periods.
Discovering the Archaeological Gallery
The archaeological gallery is the second-largest gallery in the museum and is home to a range of artifacts from the ancient, pre-Mughal, and Mughal periods. Highlights include sculptures from the Pala and Sena periods, stone inscriptions from the 8th century AD, and terracotta figures from the early Islamic period. The gallery also features coins from the Sultanate period and several artifacts from the British period.
Exploring the Folk and Decorative Arts Gallery
The folk and decorative arts gallery is the third-largest gallery in the museum and is home to a range of objects from the pre-modern and modern periods. Highlights include traditional Bangladeshi musical instruments, textiles, woodcrafts, metalwork, terracotta figures, and jewelry. The gallery also features a wide range of coins, manuscripts, and paintings from the Mughal period.
Exploring the Numismatic Gallery
The numismatic gallery is the smallest gallery in the museum and is home to a wide range of coins from different parts of the world. Highlights include coins from ancient Greece and Rome, coins from the Sultanate period, and coins from the British period. The gallery also features coins from different parts of the world, including India, China, and the Middle East.
Visiting Bangladesh National Museum
The Bangladesh National Museum is open to the public from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is free for all visitors and the museum has a café and a gift shop. The museum also offers guided tours and educational programs for school groups.
Conclusion
The Bangladesh National Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the rich history and culture of Bangladesh. From ancient sculptures to coins from different parts of the world, the museum is home to a wide range of artifacts and objects that provide insight into the country’s past. The museum is open to the public and offers a range of educational programs and guided tours.