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Madhya Pradesh

Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum

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map

January

3.7 - 30.2 ºC

February

5.8 - 34.4 ºC

March

10.4 - 39.9 ºC

April

16.3 - 44.4 ºC

May

21.8 - 46.6 ºC

June

23.9 - 46.1 ºC

July

23.6 - 39.8 ºC

August

23.5 - 36.7 ºC

September

21.3 - 36.8 ºC

October

14.1 - 37.2 ºC

November

9.6 - 34.3 ºC

December

4.9 - 30.8 ºC


Major Airports :

Khajuraho Airport (HJR), Khajuraho

Nearest Railway Station :

Khajuraho Railway Station (KURJ)

Major Airports :

Khajuraho Airport (HJR), Khajuraho

A glimpse into royal splendour

In Dhubela, about 62 km away from Khajuraho, the splendid Dhubela Palace stands as a testament to the exquisite Bundela architecture of the 18th century AD. Within it lies a treasure trove of antiques depicting the region’s history – the Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum.

An archive of antiques and artefacts collected from the vast Bundelkhand region and some parts of the Baghelkhand region, this museum is a gateway to the region's cultural heritage, offering a profound journey into the art, crafts, and traditions of Madhya Pradesh. The museum is adorned with intricate architectural details and ornate furnishings, showcasing the grandeur and sophistication of royal palaces.

The museum invites you to explore its eight captivating galleries, each offering a unique glimpse into history. As you wander through, you'll encounter inscriptions, plates, sculptures, paintings, arms, and armour from the bygone years. Situated on the edge of a picturesque lake, embraced by rolling hills and surrounded by majestic ruins and grand mausoleums, it casts a spell of wonder.

Let’s step into this stunning edifice submerged in history!

A journey through galleries of time

The museum was established in 1955 in a palace built by Maharaja Chhatrasal, the founder of the Bundela Dynasty, and a significant portion of its collection belongs to this illustrious lineage.

Take a step back in time as the first two galleries unveil inscriptions and treasures from the Kalchuri and Bundela dynasties. The Jaina Gallery is a haven for art enthusiasts, boasting exquisite Chandela and Kalchuris sculptures like images of Sarvatomadrika, Yakshas and Yakshis. You will also find sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras - Aadinatha, Shantinatha, Naminatha, and Parshwanatha. Next, the Shaiva and Shakti galleries will captivate you with sculptures of Shiva Linga, Ravana-Anugraha, Uma-Maheshwara, Bhairava, Ganesha, Kartikeya and an 18th-century Nandi, along with Yogini images.

As you continue your journey, you'll discover the Painting Gallery, where a visual treat of theme-based paintings and remarkable pieces associated with the emperors of Rewa, Panna, and Charkhari awaits. For a touch of whimsy, step into the Amusement gallery, where eight massive convex-concave mirrors promise to entertain you with their playful reflections. Head further to the Arms & Weapons Gallery, which showcases several arms from the region, such as swords, shields, guns, bows and arrows and more. The highlights are the sword of Raiman Daua and the cannon of Adil Sher Shah. Don’t miss the Lalitkala and Vaishnava galleries either. While Lalitkala showcases various kinds of objects such as ivory, glass, wood, metal, and terracotta figures, Vaishnava displays rare and important sculptures of the Chandela and Kalchuri periods such as Sheshasayee Vishnu, Surya, Vamana, Parashurama, Hari-Hara-Pitamaha, Chaturvinshati forms (24 forms) of Vishnu.

The palace also features open-air displays on the upper and lower platforms, showcasing sculptures dating back to the medieval period. There is even a library with approximately 2300 books on history and archaeology!


Maharaja-Chhatrasal-Museum
Timings

Opening time - 10:00 AM

Closing time - 05:00 PM

(Closed on Monday)

You may enjoy

Maharaja-Chhatrasal-Museum

Explore the beautiful vicinity

Surrounded by the picturesque ruins of Maharaja Chhatrasal's kingdom, the museum offers a stunning backdrop of chhatris and a grand fort. Explore the Maharani Kamlapati Cenotaph, an octagonal structure situated on a high platform. You can also visit Sheetal Garhi, a fortress built to escape the excessive heat during peak summer. Then head to Mahoba Gate, a huge entrance which was built to connect Mahoba and Mau Sahania. Immerse yourself in history as you explore the Maharaja Chhatrasal Maqbara, an architectural gem and the cenotaph of the Maharaja of Chhatrasal.

The allure continues if you head towards Khajuraho and explore the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the eternal architectural wonders such as the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Parsvanatha Temple, Duladeo Temple and many more.