In the continuation of royal family’s work towards development of art and culture in the region, Established on 16th September 1977, Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum is a prime destination to get glimpses of royal Darbhanga Raj. Prince Subheshwar Singh gifted rare artifacts, precious objects and invaluable items of royal family for the establishment of this museum. Sri Ramashankar Tiwari, the then District Magistrate of Darbhanga played a major role at that time in establishment of Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum. This museum is located just west south of Darbhanga Railway station on the eastern bank of Mansarovar Lake. It remains open for public every day except Monday and there is no entry fee for visiting this unique museum.
Halls in Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum
Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum houses rare artifacts, old objects of royal family, weapons made of gold, silver and tusker teeth and such other invaluable items. There are eight halls in this museum which have been parted as per collection and placement of objects. Read on to explore more about these halls in Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum.Hall Number 1: Raj Sinhasan Kaksh
Known as ‘Raj Sinhasan Kaksh’, hall no.1 is most famous of all chambers in this museum. It displays Royal throne of Maharaja Rameshwar Singh and such other rare objects associated with royal family of Darbhanga. This royal throne is the unique symbol of dignity, power and wealth of royal family. This throne has been made of gold, silver, wood and precious stones with beautiful blend of artistic approach and marvelous sculpture. Royal throne can be divided into five different parts as per designing and decoration.
- First part of this royal throne is made of wood in square shape. It has been beautifully decorated with pasting of flowers and leaves and its finder brines are specially made of ivory. Artistic excellence is visible in designing of these flowers and leaves. Due to perfect combination of accurate shape and size, they look like pure natural flowers and leaves
- Then comes second part, just above the wooden part, this throne has a six-inch silver plate all around this throne. Numbers of elephants in small size are portrayed on this plate. Despite of being too small, this plate with small elephants looks quite natural and extreme beautiful
- In third portion, just above the silver plate, elephants have been placed at distance of two feets on each and every corner of the royal throne. All these elephants have holes in their back. It is assumed that silver rod would have been used for decorating throne at that time
- In Fourth portion, square gold and silver plates have been used for decoration all round the throne. These plates display different animals in their natural poses. Roaring lions, fighting bulls, group of elephants playing in water, panther climbing on tree and deer in running motion are beautifully shown in these plates
- In fifth part, several precious stones were presented at every angle to add extra beauty to this royal throne. And the monogram of royal family ‘FISH’ is present in the middle of this royal throne
- Along with this unique Royal throne, Palang (Bed) made of silver, Nalki and other such items have also been placed in this hall. All these objects are symbol of glorious history of Darbhanga Raj and remembrance of its royal family
Hall no.2 of this museum is known as 'Hall of Metallic Artifacts'. A wide range of unique metallic artifacts has been shown in this hall. There are many artifacts but special of all are globe made of copper and circular shield as both of the artifacts are centre of attraction for visitors. In fact, these two artifacts show major events and legends of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Krishna-Leela etc. So, this hall is surely must to visit for its unique work of metallic art.
Hall Number 3: Hall of Stone Idols and Artifacts
Hall no. 3 is famous as 'Hall of Stone Idols and Artifacts'. This hall displays several marble made statues and some other stone made idols and artifacts. Major attraction of this hall is a circular table which has been made of a single marble piece. Numbers of women have been inscribed on this table in famous Greek style. Their physique, clothes and hair style everything resembles pure Greekan style.
Hall Number 4 & 5: Ivory Hall
Hall no. 4 and 5 both have been named as 'Ivory Hall'. This hall houses an exclusive collection of ivory made artifacts. These artifacts include several ivory made items like flowers, leaves, mat and such other beautiful things made of ivory. Ivory made sofa sets and lions are much attractive and famous among visitors for their unique appearance. Besides, a beautiful ivory made spulse is also the attractive and exclusive one which simply captivates its visitors.
Hall Number 6: Hall of Weapons
Hall no. 6 is known as 'Hall of Weapons' and as the name suggests it houses weapons of different Kings of ancient times.
Hall Number 7 & 8: Hall of Wooden Artifacts
Hall No. 7 and 8 both in combined are called 'Hall of Wooden Artifacts'. There are several paintings and wooden artifacts present in these two halls.
How to reach Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum?
Being located near Darbhanga Railway Station, Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum is easily reachable by any convenient mode of local transportation. It is located just west south from railway station and thus, one can easily reach there by auto or rickshaws.
Address: Near Darbhanga Railway Station, Darbhanga, Bihar
Timings and Entry Fees
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Closed on: Monday
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum tells a tale of glorious history, dignity and power of Darbhanga Raj. So, if you want to know about the very famous Darbhanga Raj and its royal family then don't forget to visit this museum in Darbhanga. Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum is the perfect option to collect information about the rich past of this region.
