Introduction

Acknowledged as the best museum of the state, with one of the most extensive collections of terracotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings and coins among other, the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, as the name suggests, came into being to on occasion on monarch Ganga Singh's completion of 50 years as king.

Originally a red sandstone building located near the Lalgarh Palace, the inauguration of the museum was attended by a number of dignitaries, including the then Governor General of India, Lord Linlithgow. Later, Maharaja Karan Singh supervised the construction of a larger building within the premises of the Lalgarh Palace, and in 1954, the museum was shifted to this new location.

Today, it is run by the state government and is also known as the Ganga Government Museum. The highlights of the museum are the various 'farmaans' (metal cases to store written messages) on display with imperial seals issued by Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb and Shah Alam; and the terracotta art collection that date back to the early Gupta period. However, the most awe-inspiring artifacts are undoubtedly the intricate gilded leaf work on camel hide, a specialty of the 'Usta' artisans who were equally adept on metal, glass, stone, leather and even ostrich egg shells.

There are numerous black and white photographs of India under the British rule on display at the ground floor of the museum. Life size paintings by artists such as William Orphan, A H Mullar, etc., of Ganga Singh and a few other dignitaries of the era are also on display. But the most interesting paintings found inside the museum are of the Rajasthani miniature variety hailing from Bundi, Mewar, Raipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner. Some of the other notable exhibits include a marble sculpture of Jain Saraswati recovered from village Pallu in Ganganagar; a uniquely carved teak wood casket and carpets weaved by the prisoners of the Bikaner jail.

Special Attributes

The best among all the museums of Rajasthan.

Nuisance

Amateur photographers, local guides

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Tongas, Auto-rickshaws, private taxis.

Enjoyed by

History buffs

Exposure

You will be indoors most of the time. Since the museum is quite large and it takes time, it is advisable to carry bottles of water because it does get dry.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August.

Facilities

Basic, prepare accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

Bags, Liquor, Lighter, Matches

Tip

The 'Utsa' gold leaf paintings on camel hides and the artefacts belonging to the Harappan and Gupta era should not be missed.

Type of site

Museum