Asutosh Museum of Indian Art

Asutosh Museum of Indian Art was founded in 1937. The Museum derived its name from Asutosh Mookerjee, the renowned educationist. The museum was established by the scholars of Bengal, with the aim to conserve the historical and cultural heritage of West Bengal. You can visit the museum from 10.30 am to 5.00 pm. Asutosh Museum of Indian Art remains closed on Saturdays, Sundays and university holidays.

The main objective for establishing the museum was to collect, preserve and display objects related to Indian culture especially of Eastern India and specifically of West Bengal. It is India’s first museum of a University exhibiting some of the extraordinary treasures of Indian art. Apart from displaying various artifacts it organizes culture survey of rural areas and also carries out archaeological excavations at places of historical importance in West Bengal.

The exhibits of Asutosh Museum of Indian Art in Kolkata are from allover India with special emphasis on the culture of Bengal. Some of the interesting collections are the sculptures of Pala and Sena periods made of basalt, blending the striking features of both Hindu and Buddhist styles. The finely carved clay panels, which belong to the temples of Vishnupur area, are the exhibits, which you would love to see. The museum displays illustrated manuscripts like the Kalpasutra of the 16th century from Gujarat and a manuscript of 18th century Ramayana. Exclusive set of patachitras, which are painted scrolls from Bengal, manuscripts on palm leaf, playing cards, ceremonial objects, toys and dolls are some of the other things that you can see here. The textile exhibition includes exquisitely embroidered kanthas from Bengal, exclusive Baluchari saris and the patchwork technique.

If you want to visit the museum, the complete address is as follows:

Centenary Buildings
Calcutta University (West)
College Street,
Kolkata – 700 012