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It is
situated in Chowringhee on Jawaharlal Nehru Road. It was founded in 1814 in the Asiatic Society. At the inception,
it had two departments viz. Archaeological and Anthropological on the one hand whereas Geological and Zoological on the other. In 1840, the Economic Geology Department was
appended with it. In 1865, the materials for geological research were transferred
to the Geological Survey of India.
Within a short time, it was found impossible to keep the museum in the Asiatic Society
Building. The Indian Museum Act was passed in 1866. The Museum came into being in 1875 and the
blue-print was made by Walter B. Grawille at a cost of
Rs. 21 lakhs. It was opened for the public in 1878. The Art Department was introduced in 1891.
Entering the Museum, one first comes across the history of evolution of man.
From the pre-historic days, the evolution of man has been chronologically exhibited here. In another room, on the ground floor, is
preserved a mummy brought from Egypt. Several antics of
Mohenjodaro and Harappa are also preserved here. There are collections of coins, dresses and stones. The Museum also
contains the ashes of Buddha's bones. In a nut shell, the museum
in Calcutta reveals the life and culture of Indians from the hoary antiquity till date.
It remains opened everyday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Mondays.
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