President Mrs. Droupadi Murmu observes the archaeological splendour of Chhattisgarh
President Mrs. Droupadi Murmu visited the Mahant Ghasidas Museum in Raipur
President Mrs. Droupadi Murmu closely observed the replica and photographs of the Rudrashiv statue, Sitabengra cave, Laxman temple of baked bricks, Shiva temple of Bhoramdev called ‘Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh’ and huge statue of Lord Ganesha made of stone
Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel presented a replica of the Rudra Shiva statue of Talagaon to the President Mrs. Droupadi Murmu
Raipur, 31 August 2023। President of India, Mrs. Droupadi Murmu, visited the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum in Raipur on Thursday as a part of her two-day Chhattisgarh visit. She explored the museum with great enthusiasm and observed the prehistoric stone tools, ancient sculptures, inscriptions, and copper plates recovered from Chhattisgarh and other regions. She received information about tangible heritage sites belonging to the Ram Van Gaman Path and various ‘garhs’ on the river flanked by Shivnath. Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel presented a replica of the Rudra Shiva statue from Talagaon to the President Mrs. Droupadi Murmu during her museum visit.
She was accompanied by Governor Mr. Biswabhusan Harichandan and Culture Minister Mr. Amarjeet Bhagat. The museum was inaugurated by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, in 1953. It is famous for its collection of artefacts related to tribal culture, natural history, and archaeology.
President Mrs. Droupadi Murmu closely observed the replica and photographs of the Rudrashiv statue obtained from the Devrani temple at Talagaon in Bilaspur district, the Sitabengra cave, famous as the world’s oldest theatre built by cutting stones at Ramgarh in Surguja, the Laxman temple made of baked bricks in Sirpur, the Shiva temple of Bhoramdev called ‘Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh’ and the huge statue of Lord Ganesha made of stone in Barsur. She also observed the metal Buddhist statues found during the excavation of mounds in Sirpur in 1953, which include the statues of Manjushri, the god of knowledge in Buddhism, Buddha in Bhumisparshamudra and Varamudra, and his incarnation Vajrapani. These statues are the heritage of the excellent metal crafts of Chhattisgarh and the different parts of the country, which have been displayed in many international exhibitions. These statues are preserved in the museum, which is a testament to the rich metalwork tradition of Chhattisgarh and the country.
During the museum visit, the President learned about the ancient idols of Lord Vishnu, Jain Tirthankara statues belonging to Adinath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir Swami, and archaeological discoveries from the 11th and 12th centuries. She also observed a 2000-year-old wooden pillar inscription from Kirari village’s pond and a 1000-year-old clay grain vessel from Sirpur’s excavation. Secretary of the Culture Department, Mr. Anbalagan P., and Director, Mr. Vivek Acharya, joined the President during the visit.
President Mrs. Droupadi Murmu lauded the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum team
President Mrs. Droupadi Murmu lauded the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum team during her visit, praising the displayed artefacts that enrich Indian history knowledge. She commended the preservation of the Rudrashiv idol, Sirpur’s metal sculptures, and a 2000-year-old wooden pillar inscription. In the guest book, she hailed the museum’s role in safeguarding these relics and acknowledged their efforts in upholding the nation’s illustrious heritage.
