Houses rare artifacts, ancient sculptures, crafts, and regional collections, offering deep insight into Assam’s diverse culture and rich heritage.
The Assam State Museum, established on April 21, 1940, by the Kamrupa Anusandhan Samity (Assam Research Society), is located at the southern end of Dighalipukhuri Tank in the heart of Guwahati city, Assam. It was formally inaugurated by Sir Robert Reid, the Governor of Undivided Assam at that time. The museum was taken over by the Government of Assam in 1953 and falls under the Directorate of Museums and Archaeology.
History and Founding
The museum was founded by prominent figures including Rai Bahadur Kanaklal Barua, Raibahadur Ananda Chandra Agarwalla, and Rai Bahadur Kali Ram Medhi. Funding for the initial building came from public donations and government grants, with a significant contribution by Raibahadur Naupat Rai Kedia.
Exhibits and Collections
The Assam State Museum showcases a vast and rare collection of artifacts under different sections such as Epigraphy, Sculptures, Miscellaneous, Natural History, Art and Crafts, Anthropology, Folk Art, and Arms. The museum's sculptures from the Assam region are categorized into stone, wood, metal, and terracotta. In addition to sculptures, there are stone and copper plate inscriptions dating from the 5th to the 12th century, ancient coins, fabrics, tribal arts, and reconstructed tribal huts.
Visitors can also explore exhibits of traditional weaving, handicrafts like cane and bamboo products, toys, pottery, and local costumes. The museum houses artifacts related to the Ahom dynasty, including arms, weapons, royal costumes, and utensils, reflecting Assamese culture during their rule.
Library and Research
The museum has a library established in 1985 with a rich collection of books, manuscripts, periodicals, journals, and stenographic materials related to art, culture, mythology, biography, and Assam's history. It includes valuable volumes related to the Ahom dynasty and socio-historical topics.
Visiting Information
The museum operates six days a week from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in summers and closes on Mondays, the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, and government holidays. Visitors often praise the museum for its well-preserved artifacts spanning thousands of years, including some related to World War II.
In summary, Assam State Museum is a treasure trove of the north-eastern state's rich heritage and culture, offering a comprehensive look at Assamese history through its diverse and rare collections
