Bharat Kala Bhavan
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Bharat Kala Bhavan is a historical museum housing an exquisite and rich collection of miniature paintings, archeological remains, rare paintings, souvenirs and Hindu & Buddhist sculptures. The complex lying within the campus of famed Banaras Hindu University was established in the year 1920 A.D. and since then has been serving as a preserver and treasure trove of Varanasi art & culture.
The legendary poet Rabindranath Tagore served as its first honorary chairman, although the credit for the outstanding collection of sculpture, paintings and textiles as well as its renovation and up gradation goes to another renowned Hindi writer-Rai Krishnadasa. Regarded as one of the best preserved museum in the country both in terms of its rare collection and condition of the building, Bharat Kala Bhavan is divided into different sections based on the articles on display or named after distinguished personalities. The Nicholas Roerich gallery, Mahamana Malaviya gallery, sculpture gallery, Painting gallery, Nidhi (treasure gallery), archeological gallery and decorative art gallery constitute the chief divisions.
Moving onto the admirable collection on display within its historical walls, one is treated with an array of articles whose origin spans over decades inheriting the culture and tradition prevalent during those times. The sculpture collection includes terracotta objects varying from ritual icons to toys and clay objects. Stone, bronze and cast metal objects and utilitarian objects dating back to Mauryan and Gupta periods and even Indus Valley civilization are also showcased. 2nd century BC Buddhist stupa at Bharhui and rare images and statues from well known schools like Gandhara exhibiting fine synthesis of Greek and Indian styles also graces its display. A great collection of miniature paintings from the courts of Mughals and other Kingdoms are highly popular amongst the visitors. Several images depicting incidences from the life of Lord Krishna confirm the existence of Krishna cult in Kashi during the 15th & 16th century. Overall, the Bharat Kala Bhawan is a must visit for everyone visiting Varanasi.
