Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum: Abode Of 75,000 Jain Manuscripts
Near Gujarat University in Navrangpura, Ahmedabad Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum has some ancient artefacts including Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.
The key collection in this museum has Jain art and artefacts, including 75000 illustrated manuscripts, scrolls, sculptures, book covers, and miniature paintings.
Other art and artefacts are from the era of the Mughals, Mayuraya, Cholas, etc, some date back to the 5th century.
One of the beautiful paintings showcasing a scroll painted at Agra by the Mughal painter, Ustad Salivahana, in 1610 AD which illustrates the Mughal emperor Jahangir’s farm prohibiting the killing of animals in his empire during the Jain festival of Paryushan. This scroll is called Vijnaptipatra.
History Of Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum Ahmedabad
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum Ahmedabad was established in 1956 by Kasturbhai Lalbhai (an Indian Industrialist and philanthropist) and Jain Acharya Muni Punyavijayji jointly established the museum. Considering the climate conditions in Ahmedabad Balkrishna Doshi built this building. Shri Punyavijayaji donated his handwritten Jain Manuscripts to the museum.
In 1963 the museum was displayed on the first floor of the building on the campus followed in 1993 where the museum had a collection of miniature paintings of Nanalal Mehta.
Collection At Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum Ahmedabad
There are a total of 9 collections at the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. These collections include many artifacts some of which date back to the 5th century. Following are the collections
1. Madhuri Desai Collection
This collection in Ahmedabad Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum has a wide range of varieties of sculptures. These sculptures come from different regions of India. Some of the sculptures in the collection include artefacts from Nepal and Tibet.
2. Muni Punyavajayji Collection
The collection was owned by Shri Punyavajayaji. The collection included leaf 75,000 Jain manuscripts some of them handwritten. The earliest painted paper manuscript of the Shantinath Charitra dated V.S. 1453 (i.e.1396 A.D.), is also recognized as a global treasure by UNSECO. The collection includes a rare Cosmological diagram, Jaina-Sidhdha Chakra Yantra, and other such distinctive artefacts.
3. Priyakant Munshaw Collection
This collection represents the coinage of India. Different types of coins are there in this collection. The earliest coin the collection has is called Bantbar which dates back to 600 B.C. The collection also has coins including Adil Shah’s Larin which dates back to 1668 A.D. Akbar’s Din-i-Ilahi coin and Jahangir’s Zodiac series in silver and other currency.
4. Shri Arvindbhai Collection
Among other noteworthy collections, one of the best is the Shri Arvindbhai Collection. From Chola style Nataraja which dates back to the 11th century to an exuberant Nepali/ Tibetan bronze Mandala which dates back to the 18th century are displayed on the ground floor.
5. Kasturbhai Lalbhai Collection
It is a collection of many miniature paintings including scenes from Ramayan, court scenes, portraits, etc. The collection dates back to the 17th to the 19th century.
6. Gopi-Anand Collection
This collection has mainly bedwork collection which is mainly practiced in Kutch and Saurashtra. The art was mainly used for marriage ceremonies and household decoration and now is a part of the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. This is one of the major heritage collections of the museum.
7. Leelavati Lalbhai Woodwork Collection
This collection has a wide range of woodwork collections including relief panels of Tirthankaras, 14 Dream, Ashtamangala, and other symbolic forms, carved pillars, and decorative panels.
8. Pahari School Ramayana Drawings
This collection has been latest included in the Ahmedabad Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. It was open to the general public in 2016. The collection has almost 62 folios depicting various episodes of Ramayan.
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Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum Architecture
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum architecture was designed by Balkrishna Doshi in modern style architecture. The museum was built in 1956. It was designed in such a way that it suits the climate condition of Ahmedabad. The structure of the building is coloured with grey paint.
Initially, the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum had two galleries including Muni Puniyavijayji Gallery and Smt. Madhuri Desai Gallery. Later in 2004, an additional gallery called the Priyakant Munshaw Gallery was set up.
The museum has its laboratory which has the facility of cleaning, repairing, and restoring artefacts to preserve them for a longer period.
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum Entry Fee
At Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum Entry Fee is nil. However, if you want to join any workshops there is a nominal fee for it.
Workshops At Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum
Many workshops take place at the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. These workshops will help the inquisitive minds of young adults to help them think. All the details are mentioned on the official website of Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. Some of the workshops are mentioned below:
- Workshop On Mata Ni Pachedi
- C For Conservation Learn To Care And Preserve Paper
- Workshop On Hand Embroidery
- Learning About The Coins
- Elements Of Temple Architecture
- Archiving And Paper Conservation
- Workshop On Clay Coli Pots
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum Timings
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum Timing is from 10:30 Am to 05:00 Pm. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. On Monday the museum is officially closed.
Hotels Near Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum
There are many options for hotels near Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. You can get cheaper as well as luxurious options for your accommodations. Although there are many hotels for stay, the following are some of the hand-picked hotels near Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum for your reference –
- Hotel Royal Grand
- Hotel Surya Villas By Srurban Hotels Pvt Ltd
- The President A Boutique Hotel
- Hotel Dev Corporate
- Regenta Central Antarim
- Hotel Surya Villas
- Hotel Swastik Inn
Restaurants Near Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum
As Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum is in the heart of Ahmedabad there are many restaurants near Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. Following are some of the handpicked restaurants near Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum
- Swati Snacks
- Masi Nu Jamvanu
- Shri Swaminarayan Dining Hall
- Panchavati
- Little French House
- Dakshinayan
- Wok On Fire
- Jungle Bhookh Restaurant
- Spicevilla Reastaurant
- Yanki Sizzlerr
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Places To Visit Near Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum
Being the former capital city of Gujarat Ahmedabad is culturally rich and has a world-class heritage. If you are touring Ahmedabad there are many places to visit near Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. Following are some of the listed places to visit near Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum.
1. Vastrapur Lake
Vastrapur Lake is around 2.6 km from Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. One of the most beautiful places in this city is Ahmedabad Vastrapur Lake. The Vastrapur Lake is located in the western part of Ahmedabad. Vastrapur Lake in Ahmedabad is surrounded by a lush green garden and the riverside is embellished with various stones.
2. Amdavadi Ni Gufa
Amdavadi Ni Gufa is at a walkable distance from Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. It is an underground art gallery in Ahmedabad. The cave roof is made of many interconnected domes. The dome’s architect is BV Doshi.
3. Kalyan Pushti Haveli
Kalyan Pushti Haveli is around 3.2 km from Lalnbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. The museum is famous for its ancient and medieval Indian art. The museum has a collection of various stone, marble, bronze, and woodcarving and 75,000 Jain manuscripts. The museum is spread across 9 galleries.
4. Adventure Park
Another tourist attraction near the museum is Adventure Park in Ahmedabad. It is at a distance of 3.1 km from Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. Being a kid’s park it has many rides for kids. Parents can come here after spending their leisure time at Vastrapur Lake.
5. Riverfront Flower Park
Riverfront Flower Park is around 4.4 km from Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. This flower park has many trees and plants. The beautiful flower show also happens every year.
How To Reach Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum Ahmedabad
By Road
Gujarat has one of the most well-connected road networks in India. You can travel to Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum by Road get a bus or a cab.
By Railway
The nearest Railway station to Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum is Kalupur Railway Station. It is just 6.7 km from the museum. You can take a cab or a bus to reach the museum.
By Air
The nearest airport to reach the museum is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The airport is at a distance of 13 km from the museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the architecture of Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum?
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum architecture was designed by Balkrishna Doshi in modern style architecture. It was designed in such a way that it suits the climate condition of Ahmedabad. The structure of the building is colored with grey paint.
What is the purpose of museum architecture?
The purpose of the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum is to conserve all the arts and artefacts properly. Some of these ancient artefacts are important to the cultural aspect and are relevant even today.
What is the concept of museum design?
The concept of the Museum design involves presenting information, art, and artefacts in a way that communicates, educates, influences, and enthrals visitors and scholars alike.
