Chanderi is a small town in the Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is a small town that overflows with history and heritage. The best introduction to the history of Chanderi is the Chanderi Museum, managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Archaeological Museum of Chanderi is the best place to begin ones’ exploration of the places to visit in Chanderi and its vicinity. The museum opens a window to the past and gives the right orientation to fully comprehend the town’s historical importance. Join us as we take you inside the Archaeological Museum Chanderi.
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Chanderi Museum – Archaeological Museum of Chanderi
The history of Chanderi can be traced all the way back to the Neolithic Period. In more recent history, Chanderi has been a key region for different dynasties ranging from the Guptas, to the Pratiharas, and Mauryas. The town of Chanderi and its vicinity is a treasure trove of tremendous historical and archaeological importance. There are at least 12 big archaeological sites around Chanderi that have and are yielding important artifacts and information related to its long and chequered history.
The Chanderi Museum is a repository of these amazing artifacts, exquisite sculptures and carvings, inscriptions, and much more. The collections housed in the Chanderi Museum have been primarily discovered from a place known as Budhi Chanderi located at a distance of about 19 kilometers. Budhi Chanderi was the old settlement of Chanderi town and dates back to mythological times. It was earlier known as Chaidnagar and is even mentioned in the Mahabharata.
Chanderi Museum (चन्देरी म्यूसियम चन्देरी) – Galleries
The Chanderi Museum consists of 5 galleries. One gallery is dedicated to Jainism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism, while another gallery documents the history of Chanderi, the fifth gallery is called Anandam Gallery. The town has been the epicenter of different religions and faiths across history. These include Jainism, Islam, Shaivism, Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and others. The glorious past of Chanderi comes alive beautifully in stone within the galleries of the ASI Museum Chanderi.
- History of Chanderi Gallery
- Vaishnava Gallery
- Shaiva and Shakta Gallery
- Jaina Gallery
- Anandam Gallery
Visiting Chanderi Museum – The Entrance
The Chanderi Museum is a very neat and well-maintained museum. The beautifully designed museum building is set amidst enchantingly landscaped gardens. But what rivets your attention as you near the entrance to the museum is a unique brick-red statue, that stands unobtrusively in a corner. The statue is that of the Hindu God Shiva, also referred to as Rudra. The statue is said to represent the Pashupatinath form of Rudra. Pashupatinath literally means, “Lord of all Animals”.
The statue of Shiva is not original. It is a replica of one that dates back to somewhere between the 4th and 5th century AD during the Gupta period. The original was found near a village by the name of Tala in the Bilaspur district of Chattisgarh.
Chanderi Museum Gallery – History of Chanderi Gallery
This is a gallery that showcases the history and heritage of Chanderi and the surrounding regions right from pre-historic times. The exhibits here include pre-historic paintings, paleolithic and neolithic tools, and ornaments, pottery and ornaments, and other objects made of iron and other metals. The gallery also houses beautiful sculptures associated with Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Shaivism, that prevailed in the region across history.
Chanderi Museum Gallery – Vaishnava Gallery
One of the most spectacular galleries in the museum is the Vaishnava gallery. Seen here are some amazing sculptures of the Hindu deity Vishnu and his different avatars. One of the exhibits not to be missed is that of the Varaha avatar of Vishnu. Vishnu is depicted as a boar. The beautiful sculpture is embellished with intricate carvings across its body.
Chanderi Museum Gallery – Shaiva and Shakta Gallery
This gallery is dedicated to Shiva and Shakti worship. It has beautiful sculptures of Shiva and Shakti in their different forms. One of the most beautiful depictions of Shiva and Parvati shows the divine couple in an intimate moment. Parvati is seated on Shiva’s lap and has her right arm around him. Parvati has the hint of a smile on her lips, however, Shiva looks pensive as if he has received some information and has to leave.
Below his feet is his vehicle, Nandi, who is looking up at him, sensing his master’s thoughts, and getting ready to leave with his master. Parvati on the other hand seems unaware and is tapping her own vehicle with her foot, as though asking it, not to disturb the wonderful moment.
Chanderi Museum Gallery – Jaina Gallery
The Jaina Gallery is a timeline of the growth of Jainism in the region. It houses exquisite sculptures of different Jain Tirthankaras. These include beautiful sculptures of Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, as well as those of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara, Parshvanatha the 23rd Tirthankara, Neminatha the 22nd Tirthankara, and many others.
Chanderi Museum Gallery – Anandam Gallery
The Anandam Gallery documents the Mughal influence on Chanderi. It has Mughal paintings, inscriptions, and other artifacts related to the various Mughal monuments of Chanderi. The gallery also has a collection of coins, weapons, and other objects related to different dynasties that ruled over the region.
Archaeological Museum Chanderi Central Courtyard And Corridors
In the center of the galleries of the Chanderi museum is a central courtyard. The galleries are surrounded by corridors or Verandahs that skirt them. Many beautiful sculptures, inscriptions, and other exhibits also adorn the corridors. Outside the building and within the beautifully landscaped garden one can see rows of beautiful sculptures and other artifacts. One of the really lovely sights here is a Jaina Pillar.
Tips For Visiting Chanderi Museum | All You Need To Know
Chanderi Museum Timings
The Chanderi museum timings are from 9 AM to 5 PM. The museum is open on all days, except for Fridays when it is closed.
Chanderi Museum Ticket price
There is a nominal entry ticket for the Chanderi Museum. Currently, the cost is INR 5 only.
Time Required For Visiting Chanderi Museum
The time needed for exploring the Chanderi Museum is subjective and based on the depth of your interest. However, it is a relatively small museum and one could spare around 2-3 hours.
How To Get To Chanderi Museum| Chanderi Museum Location
Archaeological Museum of Chanderi Address: Saray, Madhya Pradesh 473446
Archaeological Museum Chanderi Telephone Number: 075422 58369
- ASI Museum Chanderi is located in the town of Chanderi in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India
- Chanderi is at a distance of about 214 kilometers from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh
- Chanderi is about 583 kilometers from Delhi, the capital of India
- Chander is about 216 kilometers from Gwalior and about 228 kilometers from Khajuraho
Reaching Chanderi By Air
The nearest airports to Chanderi are Gwalior and Bhopal. Both of the airports are at about the same distance from Chanderi. One can fly to either of these cities and then travel by road to Chanderi.
Reaching Chanderi By Rail
The nearest railway station to Chanderi is Lalitpur which is at a distance of about 40 kilometers. Lalitpur is connected to places like Bhopal, Ujjain, Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and many other places across India. For more details of train schedules and booking check out the official IRCTC website.
Reaching Chanderi By Road
Chanderi is well connected by road to other places within Madhya Pradesh as well as towns and cities across India. One can use public transport like buses or cabs to reach Chanderi from Bhopal or Gwalior or do a road trip in your own vehicle from anywhere in India.
If you are planning a trip to Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, India you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here. If you are planning to travel by road to Chanderi from Bhopal or Gwalior, some of the options to reach Chanderi are by self-drive car or cab, or bus.
Other Places To Visit In Chanderi
- Buddhi Chanderi
- Chanderi Fort | Kirti Durg | Chanderi Ka Kila
- Johar Smarak
- Tomb of Baiju Bawra
- Badal Mahal
- Jama Masjid
- Kati Darwaza | Kati Ghati
- Handloom House
- Khooni Darwaza
- Shehzadi Ka Roza
- Battisi Bawdi
- Ramnagar Palace
- Koshak Mahal
- Nizamuddin Auliya Family Tombs
- Bada Madarsa
- Parmeshwar Tal
- Sri Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra Khandargiri
Madhya Pradesh in general and Chanderi, in particular, are full of heritage and natural attractions. Madhya Pradesh is home to heritage sites that include the likes of the Jain and other Khajuraho temples, the Bhimbetka caves, the incomplete temple of Bhojpur, Sanchi Stupa, Bhopal’s Taj-ul-Masajid, and others.
Nature abounds in places like Kanha, Pench, Pachmarhi, etc. In short, Madhya Pradesh is a travelers’ delight. If you are trying to decide on what to see in MP or what to do in Madhya Pradesh, then book online right here places to see in Madhya Pradesh and cover attractions in Bhopal and MP.
| Click here to know more and book Best Attractions in Madhya Pradesh |
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Where To Stay In Chanderi
Chanderi is a relatively small town and does not currently offer a wide range of accommodation options. Some of the places to stay in Chanderi include, the hotel run by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, known as MPT Kila Kothi. Another budget hotel is the Tana Bana Hotel.
If you are planning a trip to Chanderi, and thinking of accommodation, then you can book your stay in Chanderi hotels through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip, or Priceline and save a lot by getting the best savings on booking your stay.
| Click to book the best hotels in Chanderi, MP, or best hotels in Madhya Pradesh |
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FAQ About Chanderi Museum
Where is Chanderi Museum?
The ASI Archaeological Site Museum, Chanderi is located in the town of Chanderi in the Ashoknagar district of the state of Madhya Pradesh in India.
Why you should visit Chanderi Museum on your trip to Chanderi?
The Archaeological Site Museum, Chanderi, is a window to the fascinating history of Chander. It showcases the rich history and heritage of the region through its 5 galleries, which have a rich collection of sculptures and other artifacts, right from the pre-historic times.
Is a guide required for Chanderi Museum?
A guide would be really helpful to understand the rich history and heritage of Chanderi. We would recommend a highly knowledgeable guide, who is an expert in the history of Chanderi. He is Muzaffar Ansari (Kalleybhai) and he can be contacted on +91 94253 81065.
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With each post, I am discovering India’s true treasures. Many places are completely new to me. And how beautifully you have described the Shiv-Parvati sculpture.
I never been to MP but heard a lot about the state, this place really seems interesting and I will love to visit with kids.
I really like reading your posts as they have so much detailing. It’s always good to know our or countries rich culture and heritage and thank you so much for weekend on these treasures. This place is now in my bucket list.
I really like to visit chanderi Museum . It has beautiful sculpture architecture . It’s real beauty , every one should admire.
Hi Sandy and Vyjay,
The most amazing thing about the boar is the exquisite attention to detail the artist executed to craft such a masterpiece. Imagine the pure patience one holds to create that? Eye-opening.
Ryan
I remember that my parents had visited Chanderi, and Mom purchased some really gorgeous Chanderi sarees from there. It used to be a small town then, glad that it has developed into a tourist attraction now.
I am from MP but somehow never get a chance to visit chanderi museum. seems like a great place to explore more about ancient heritage, thanks for sharing all details. will surly keep this mind, when visit India next time.
I love travelling and especially visiting the museums. Your post is making me crave for travel as we are restricting it a bit these days. But Chanderi Museum is definitely on my travel list now.
Thank you for introducing such lovely places to us. This museum looks interesting, would love to visit with kids
Museum looks amazing to explore Indian history thank you for sharing the detailed post.
A very well maintained museum having a great collection of coins and sculptures from forgotten times. Must visit.
I have never been to MP, but whenever I plan to visit. I am going to visit here for sure. Thanks for letting us know about this place
This place looks really very beautiful. I would love to visit here sometime.all the clicks are really beautiful
I belong to Madhya Pradesh but never got the opportunity to visit such a beautiful and picturesque museum of Chanderi, In my next visit would love to visit this place.
This museum has some wonderful artifacts giving a glimpse of our wonderful history. I would love to visit this museum.
I’m planning a trip to MP with my son and adding historical places to our list. Chanderi Museum is definitely a must-visit. That Shiva Statue is beautiful!
Whenever I read archeology I stop and read more and there is a whole museum around that subject. This interests me. I will visit this place in chanderi after things get normalize.
I am speechless with the beauty of the Chanderi museum. What a fineness in architecture. I have been to many places in Madhya Pradesh but never get a chance to visit Chanderi museum, your detailing of the places now pushing me to plan for the visit when the situation gets better!!
Our country is so rich in culture and heritage, your every post shares such great information about India and all its regions. I have learned a lot about Chanderi museum from this post.
Archaeological museums have several stories about history and our heritage. They have a positive air in themselves. You are bringing light to several monuments that we must explore
This was such an insightful post with detailed information about Chanderi. All this while I was aware of Chanderi Silk sarees only.
You know I am never a museum person but the way you have enticed me through this post Sandy and Vijay, I feel like travelling to them right at the moment.
Wow such a magnificent place. I love the travel posts by you and the beautiful pictures always take me to the place youbtalk about.. loved reading the post.
I remember visiting this place as a child with my parents. Very beautiful and awe-inspiring museum indeed. What a heritage!
Post my trip to Athens where they have an elaborate museum I haven’t been to a really good museum . But this one in Chanderi looks like a great place to delve into the ancient lives
Indeed chanderi museum in Madhya Pradesh is beautiful example of Indian culture and heritage. I’ve never been to this place. But love to
I’m still new to all of these wonderful places and I take immense pleasure in being proud of what our country holds. This is such a lovely museum to visit and learn so much. Thank you for bringing a visual treat.
MP is truly a land of rich culture. Chanderi Museum has so much to offer for keen takers of history. All the pictures in the post made me look closer to the heritage. Your posts always invoke a curiosity in me to visit the place.
Interesting! Is this the place from where the Chanderi sarees come? Always heard about Chanderi but this is the first time I am reading about it.
I always love to read your travel posts. I am from Madhya Pradesh but was really unaware about this place. Will surely visit once.
I have never visited the Chanderi museum but this post of urs is like a virtual tour to me. Thanks for sharing about the history behind chanderi museum. The statues look alluring
It is most impressive how the Chanderi weave of Madhya Pradesh has been revived and documented. Wish we could say that about other handloom styles of India. We have seen so many weaves extinct during the last 20 years and that’s an irreparable loss.
Whenever I am here I will certainly visit the Sahaiva and Shakta Gallery for sure. Also I would love to know more from the Jaina Gallery apart from exploring other spots in Chanderi.
Museums are great places for exploring. All along I only knew about chanderi silks. Thanks to your post I know a place that is great for exploring
Chanderi is on my list for a long. I would definitely make a visit and will roam around the places soon.
I will definitely visit this museum soon just to know about the fascinating history of Chanderi.
Chanderi reminds me of the sarees for sure ☺️
I absolutely adore visiting the local museums in a place especially in India. They have so much history and artefacts. I have never visited Chanderi but would love to go there. And I will surely visit Chanderi Museum when I am there. Thanks for this detailed post.
you described it so well and in detail. Being a travel enthusiast this is in my travel bucket list.
Museums tell so many interesting stories about out history and heritage. This museum is really beautiful and so well maintained.
I have heard and read a lot about chanderi but had never visited there. I would like to visit there someday though. And as usual your post is very much detailed.