Government Archaeological Museum

The Dungarpur Museum, also known as the Rajmata Devendra Kunwar Government Museum was opened for the public in the year 1988. The statue gallery of the museum highlights the history of Vagad Pradesh, which was spread over the Banswara, Dungarpur and Kherwara tehsil of Udaipur district. The prominent sculptural specimens are Mahishasur- Mardini (16th-17th century AD); Vinadhar Shiva in black stone (6th-7th century A D); Kumari, a female figure (6th-7th century AD) discovered from Aamjhara, a god-looking image of Gajlaxmi (17th - 18th century AD) and Navrgraha in a single stone piece (11th- 12th century AD).

The museum also has panel of photographs of the ancient rulers of Dungarpur and photographs of palaces, temples and monuments of different times are still preserved in the Dungarpur museum.

Nestled in the foot hills of the Aravallis, Dungarpur has an interesting topography, ranging from wild and rugged terrain in the north-east to fertile plains of alluvial soil in the south-west. Two magnificent rivers – the Mahi and the Som flow through the area. While the former separates the district from Banswara, the latter draws a natural boundary between the district and Udaipur.

Dungarpur was founded in 1282 AD by Rawal Veer Singh.- when he took over this part of the state from the Bhil Chieftain, Dungaria. The area is rich in Teak, Mahua, Mango and Khajur trees. Dungarpur is also noted for its wildlife variety–Jackal, Jungle Cat, Indian Fox, Hyena, Black Faced Monkey, Porcupine, Common Mongoose are the common inhabitants. The commonly seen bird variety includes Partridges, Peafowls, Quails, Cuckoos, Eagles and Vultures. Various migratory birds also visit the area during the winters.

Dungarpur is famous for its unique style of architecture as seen in its palaces and noble residences. These royal residences are adorned by ‘jharokhas‘ built-in stone in a unique style typical of the area, developed during the reign of Maharawal Shiv Singh (1730-1785 A.D.) The district’s gold and silver smiths are renowned for lacquer painted toys and picture framing.

Museums in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the home of royals having a golden history. Like its forts and palaces, Rajasthan museums known to displays historic marvels and murals. "Museums of Rajasthan" details the origin, history and theimportance of seventeen government museums of the state. Themuseums covered include those of Ahar, Ajmer, Alwar, Amber, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Jaisalmer, Jhalawar,Jodhpur, Kota, Mount Abu, Pali, Sikar, Udaipur and Virat Nagar.This book provides a different section on each museum, cataloguingsignificant archaeological findings, sculptures, paintings, armsand weapons, musical instruments, textiles and carpets, crafts anddecorative arts, jewellery, terracotta, wood, stone, leather andmetal work, ceramics and pottery. This selection of the archivalcollections explores the rich artistic tradition of Rajasthan, describes their significance and how they figure into the overalldevelopmental pattern of Indian art. "Museums of Rajasthan" surveysthe character of Rajasthani art and the influences arising from itsreligious and cultural milieu. The major themes of the collectionsas well as the style, history, and iconography of individual piecesare succinctly explained. This book combines concise overviews withcaptivating detail and includes an appendix that providesinformation about the museum sites, full addresses of all themuseums and brief details of opening hours. It is also an engagingvisual record and presents superb artworks in stunning, well chosencolour photographs. It will be of immense interest to scholars, andwill prove to be an invaluable reference tool and guide forvisitors to Rajasthan.

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