Chanderi Museum

Located in the Chanderi town of Madhya Pradesh in Central India, the Chanderi Museum is one of the most significant museums of Madhya Pradesh that houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich history and culture of Chanderi region. The town of Chanderi is in the district of Ashoknagar and is known for large monuments, fortifications, and handloom work and art. The museum is a double-storied edifice and was opened to the public in 2007 with six galleries, out of which five are accessible to visitors.

The museum was established with the aim of preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Chanderi and its surrounding areas. It has several galleries, each dedicated to a different aspect of the region's history and culture.The primary collections in the museum are derived from the ruined architectural and sculptural members from the ruined temples of Budhi (Old) Chanderi, dating back 10th to 12th century AD. The five galleries that are operational today are – The history of Chanderi Gallery, Jain Gallery, Anandam Gallery, Shiva Gallery, and Digpal Gallery. Some of the most significant pieces displayed here are artifacts recovered from the Jain sites of BudhiChanderi, exhibits describing the evolution of the town and the region with carvings on rock caves, a cut-off head of Jain Tirthankara, dus-avtar of Lord Vishnu, Sanskrit inscriptions, parts of ancient ruined temples, etc.

The other major attraction of the museum is its collection of Chanderi sarees, which are renowned for their unique weaving techniques and intricate designs. The museum also has a collection of weapons, coins, and other artifacts from the ancient and medieval periods of Indian history. Visitors can also see a variety of sculptures, paintings, and other works of art that showcase the cultural diversity of the region. The museum also has 3000 plus books that offer more information on the history of this province.

• Timings – 9am to 5pm (Friday and national holidays off)
• Entry Fee – INR5

The Chanderi Museum was established in 2007 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh. The museum is located within the Chanderi Fort, which was built in the 15th century by the Bundela Rajputs. It was established with the aim of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Chanderi region and houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history, art, and culture of the region. The Chanderi Museum has been instrumental in raising awareness about the need to preserve the cultural heritage of the region. It has also helped to promote the traditional arts and crafts of Chanderi, including hand-woven textiles and pottery. It has also played an important role in promoting tourism in the Chanderi region and attracts visitors from all over India and abroad, who come to learn about the history and culture of the region.

The Chanderi museum is a very polished and well-maintained museum and is set amidst impressively landscaped gardens. On the side corner of the entrance, there is a huge and beautiful brick-red statue of Lord Shiva in the form of Rudra, which is said to represent the Pashupatinath form of Rudra, ‘’Lord of all Animals.’’ The museum is a double-story building housing five galleries and a central courtyard. The galleries are enclosed by corridors or Verandahs that skirt them where several other sculptures and inscriptions are also placed. Outside the building and within the garden premises, one can see some beautiful stone sculptures and other artifacts that adorn the museum complex and are a sight to see. The museum is divided into five galleries, each of which highlights a different aspect of the region’s culture and history. These galleries are:

• History of Chanderi Gallery - This gallery provides an overview of the history of the Chanderi region. It showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the early settlements in the region, the role of Chanderi in the Mughal Empire, and the Indian Independence movement. It also has a collection of weapons such as swords, shields, and daggers, which were used by the warriors in the region. The gallery also features a model of the Chanderi Fort, which provides visitors with a better understanding of the layout and architecture of the fort.
• Jain Gallery - Jainism has a long and rich history in the Chanderi region, and this gallery showcases artifacts and exhibits related to Jainism. The gallery features a collection of Jain statues and manuscripts, including rare and ancient manuscripts.
• Anandam Gallery - This gallery is dedicated to showcasing the lifestyle and traditions of the people of Chanderi. It features exhibits related to the cuisine, music, dance, and festivals of the region. Visitors can learn about the traditional attire of the region, including the famous Chanderi sarees.
• Shiva Gallery - This gallery is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. It showcases sculptures and artifacts related to Lord Shiva and his worship, including rare and ancient statues of the deity.
• Vishnu Gallery – The Vishnu Gallery comprises exhibits depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu and all the sculptures found from the nearby archaeological sites related to Lord Vishnu and his avatars.

• Khandargiri Jain Temples - The Khandargiri Jain Temples are a series of ancient rock-cut temples that date back to the 9th century. The temples are located about 20 km from Chanderi and feature intricate carvings and sculptures.
• Badal Mahal Gate - The Badal Mahal Gate is a historic gateway that dates to the Mughal period. The gate is in the heart of Chanderi and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
• Jama Masjid - The Jama Masjid is a historic mosque that was built during the Mughal period. The mosque is in the heart of Chanderi and features beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
• Singhpur Palace - The Singhpur Palace is a historic palace that was built during the Bundela Rajput period. The palace is located about 30 km from Chanderi and features beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
• Chanderi Fort - The Chanderi Fort is a historic fort located about 3 km from the museum. The fort dates to the 11th century and is known for its beautiful architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the fort's numerous gateways, palaces, and temples, including the Koshak Mahal, Hawa Mahal, and Nizamuddin's Shrine.
• Koshak Mahal - The Koshak Mahal is a historic palace located about 2 km from the museum. The palace was built during the 15th century by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. Visitors can explore the palace's numerous halls, courtyards, and towers, and enjoy panoramic views of Chanderi from the rooftop terrace.

• Chanderi Cuisine Restaurant - This restaurant is located just a few minutes walk from the museum and serves a variety of traditional Chanderi cuisine, including dal bafla, bhutte ki kees, and poha. The restaurant has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and is popular with locals and tourists alike.
• Indian Coffee House - The Indian Coffee House is a popular chain of restaurants in India that serves a range of Indian and continental dishes. This restaurant is located about 2 km from the museum and is known for its affordable prices and relaxed atmosphere.
• Shivani Bhojnalaya - This eatery is located about 1 km from the museum and serves a variety of vegetarian dishes, including thali, sabzi, and dal. The restaurant has a simple and rustic ambiance and is popular with locals.
• The Chanderi Cafe - The Chanderi Cafe is a popular coffee shop located about 3 km from the museum. The cafe serves a range of coffee, tea, and snacks, and is a great place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing.

• Hotel Kanchan Deep - This hotel is located just a few minutes walk from the museum and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, including air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a range of Indian and Chinese dishes.
• Hotel Jain Residency - This hotel is close to the museum and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, including air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a range of Indian and Chinese dishes.
• Chanderi Guest House - This is also a guesthouse and offers simple but comfortable rooms with basic amenities, including fans and private bathrooms. The guesthouse also has a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• The Gateway Retreat Chanderi - This hotel is located about 6 km from the museum and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, including air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a range of Indian and continental dishes.

• By Air: The nearest airport to Chanderi is Gwalior Airport, which is located about 220 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chanderi.
• By Train: The nearest railway station to Chanderi is the Lalitpur Railway Station, which is located about 40 km away. From the station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chanderi.
• By Bus: Chanderi is well connected to other cities in Madhya Pradesh and neighboring states by road. There are regular bus services from cities likeBhopal, Gwalior, and Jhansi to Chanderi.