KutchMuseum stands as an archetype of the relations between India and Britain. One of the oldest museums of Gujarat, it was established in 1877 by Maharao Khengarji. The museum adds to the valour and culture of Gujarat with inscriptions going back to the 1st century AD. The museum is well equipped with preserved artefacts and relics of the Kshatrapas(Saka rulers of Saurashtra region). At the museum one can find ancient inscriptions, textiles, ornaments, weapons and musical instruments. There are ornaments in gold and silver here. The museum exhibits a vast collection of remnants of the Kshatrapas.

The building of the museum represents Indian and British structures and is a striking memory of the country’s colonial past. The museum added to its recognition as being the first museum to go online in 2010.

History

The museum was a part of the school of art formed by Maharao Khengraj III. Considered the oldest museum of Gujarat, the museum had a large number of items to exhibit in the year 1844. However, with the marriage of the Maharao, it needed extra space and a building was constructed in 1877. It came to be known as the Fergusson Museum, named after Sir James Fergusson who laid the foundation stone. He was a governor under the British rule. On November 14, 1877 Maharao named it as Fergusson Museum. The museum was designed by the state engineer McLelland with the help of local mistris (artisans).

The Museum

The museum building has two floors conceptualised in an Italian gothic style. It lies in the backdrop of Hamirsar Lake near NazarBaghGarden. The museum remained exclusive to the Maharao of Kutch and his visitors till 1948.

The various sections of the museum consist of some of the oldest inscriptions of the Kshatrapas which date back to 1st century AD. They belong to the Andhau region and the Gujarat Abhir from the 3rd century AD. The museum also has various Katchi scripts and local Katchi currency which were used till 1948.

The museum has around 11 sections, some of which are illustrated here. A musical section displays ancient instruments such as the Nagfani and Morchang. An archaeological section displays stone engraved tablets, sculptures and seals of the Indus civilization. There is a painting section that displays the art of local tribes. There is a special section on tribal culture, which is devoted to the tribal culture, their living, clothes, artefacts and embroideries.

The museum also has an embroidery sections, a picture gallery and sections for anthropology and shipping. One can spot many paintings belonging to the history of Kutch here and even find some rare and extinct musical instruments. The room on the ground floor showcases yet another magnificent piece of art, the Airavat. The Airavat is a huge white Indian elephant which has seven tusks. The piece of beauty was made in Mandvi in the 18th century. The elephant has a floral painted body and the Airavat gained a lot of importance from the Government of India in 1978 when they depicted it under the postal series as the Treasures of museum.

Visitor’s Information

Visiting Time

9 am - 12 pm & 3 pm - 6 pm

The museum is closed on Wednesdays, 2nd and 4th Saturdays, and on public holidays.

Admission Fee:  Rs. 5/-