National Museum of Nepal

National Museum of Nepal

The National Museum of Nepal was established in 1928 as an arsenal museum in the historic building which was constructed in early 19th century by General Bhimsen Thapa. The initial name of this museum was Chhauni Silkhana which literally means "the stone house of arms and ammunition".

It was opened as a public museum in the year 1938 by the then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher JBR. He not only allowed Nepalis to visit the museum charging very little but also raised a building for an art museum and named it after himself Juddha Jatiya Kalashala. Until then only foreign scholars/dignitaries and invitees or guests of the Rana Prime Minister occasionally could have a glimpse of this wonderful collection. It was only in 1967 this was named as Rashtriya Sangrahalaya, the National Museum of Nepal. It has three buildings (i) juddha jayatia kala shala (ii) Buddha art gallery (iii) historical main building. In this building natural historical section, cultural section historical section and philatelic section are displayed, temporary section. Opens daily, except for Tuesday and holidays, from 9 am to 5 pm.

The main attractions are a wonderful collection of historical artworks (sculpture and paintings) and a historical display of weapons used in the wars in 18-19th century. Chauni National Museum, which happens to be the National Museum of Nepal, is a museum that takes on a rather low profile. It is not a place that you would see plenty of visitors. Nevertheless, it is worth a visit for those who appreciate viewing the original curios up close.

Located a short distance from the Swayambhunath, the National Museum consists of three buildings. As you approach it, the building on your left is the Art Gallery displaying statues, wood carvings and paintings. The building straight ahead is the Buddhist Art Gallery displaying Buddhist art objects while the building on the right is the Museum of Natural History.

Perhaps the most interesting exhibit at the Art Gallery are four stolen images that have since been returned from Los Angeles. The four items are the head of the 12th century Veenadharini Saraswati; the 9th century Buddha from Bhinchhe Bahal, Patan; the 14th century Surya from Panauti's Triveni Ghat; and the 10th century Garudasana Vishnu from Hyumat Tole, Kathmandu. These were voluntarily returned to Nepal by an anonymous collector. Other prominent displays at the Art Gallery include the 2nd century image of the Lichhavi King Jayavarma.

The Buddhist Art Gallery holds a treasure trove of Buddhist paintings, sculptures and religious objects. The gallery is divided into three sections: the terai section, the Kathmandu valley section, and the northern Himalayan section. The terai section covers photos taken at Buddha's birthplace, Lumbini. In the Kathmandu section are bronze statues of Buddhas and Bodhisatvas. The northern Himalayan section displays Tibetan Buddhist art. Stone images, stolen images, stuffed animals- there are many reasons to visit Nepal’s National Museum better known as Chauni National Museum. Located in the picturesque outskirts of Kathmandu valley near Swayambhu, this museum creates an underlying sense of history. The focus of this Museum is on the artifacts made of stone, wood and metal apart from stuffed animals. One cannot escape the fact that similar artifacts are found in plenty in the curio shops, handicraft shops or even in the tiny makeshift shops under the colourful awnings. However, one should keep in mind that these objects adorning the museum is next to peerless because they date back as early as the 2nd century.

As you step into the Museum compound, do not expect a place bubbling with enthusiastic visitors. Unlike other museums, this place is not given much publicity. Harboring interesting artifacts, it waits for you to make discoveries, so this could be one of your treasure hunts. All you need is undying interest and curiosity. The museum pathway flanked by the fir trees pruned to your height, offers you a vista of these three separate buildings. As you reach a fountain, to your left stands the old Art Gallery displaying statues, wood carvings and paintings; straight - ahead is the Buddhist Art Gallery which houses Buddhist objects of art and on the right lies the Historical Museum.

Art Gallery

The Art Gallery is not exactly the epitome of art collections but it does exhibit a vast collection of metal works, woodcarvings, prominent among the stone images is that of the Lichhavi King Jayavarma of the 2nd Cent. This large statue found in Handigaon stands majestically after being restored by an Italian project. A noteworthy fact is its specially designed support made to withstand earthquakes.

At present the visitors’ main interest lies on the four stolen images, which have been returned from Los Angeles, U.S.A. These objects are kept for display in the stone work section of the art gallery. They are: the head of the 12th century Veenadharini Saraswati from Pharping’s Kamalpokhari; the 9th century Buddha from Bhinchhe Bahal, Patan; the 14th century Surya from Panauti’s Triveni Ghat and the 10th century Garudasana Vishnu from Hyumat Tole, Kathmandu. These four pieces of Nepali statuary were brought back to Nepal in August after their voluntary return by an anonymous American collector.

In the wood carving section, you should look out for Nritya Devi, a restored wooden dancing goddess of the 15th century. Intricate motifs on mountable window frames give a sense of refinement in woodcarving. These motifs are carved on teak, sal or rose wood. The painting section is worth visiting mainly for the Krishna Lila (a series of paintings depicting Krishna’s miraculous deeds). These paintings quite literally cover the entire space on the wall surrounding the visitors and drawing them into the enchanting world of myths. Lord Krishna raising Mount Govardhan with his finger to rescue the people against heavy rain is well known.

Buddhist Art Gallery

The Buddhist Art Gallery is truely a heaven for Buddhist paintings, sculptures and ritualistic objects. To provide a glimpse of the Buddhist art of the kingdom of Nepal, this gallery has been divided into three sections viz., the terai section, Kathmandu valley section and northern Himalayan section. The terai section is adorned with photographs of lord Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini. Chaityas (stupas), statues of Buddha and Bodhisatvas cast in bronze comprise the Kathmandu valley section. The northern Himalayan section reflects the influence of Tibetan Buddhism, which apparently developed many rites and rituals.

Therefore ritualistic objects like phurpa (magical dart used especially for the ritual slaying of human effigy of foes) and dorje (represents thunder bolt) are found in this section. Thanka paintings made on cotton canvas or silk adorn the gallery (Thankas are religious paintings, which are made following the instructions handed down through the ages. They are primarily used for meditation.). It exhibits an interesting concept and it becomes more fascinating as you delve into the mind of the artist. Tibetan amulets and religious objects also adorn the gallery. Images of Manjushree, the deity of wisdom is immediately impressive as it lacks all traces of crudeness. A yantra of the 19 cent, showing chakras of the body is helplessly appealing. Images of Dipankar Buddha is not to be missed (Dipankar is a Buddha from a previous age. Hindus and Buddhists believe in the four ages of the universe called Yugas. A Yuga can last from 4,000,000 years to more than a million years)

The Historical Museum

The monumental building housing the Historical Museum was built by Bhimsen Thapa, Prime Minister of Nepal in the 18th century. This Historical Museum should take your breath away with a wide collection of stuffed animals like tiger, leopard, red panda and flying squirrel to name a few. The colorful plumage of birds brings brilliance to the otherwise gloomy Museum. Riches of Nepal’s Bio diversity are exhibited in these chambers – mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, butterflies and insects. Apart from stuffed animals there are pelts, horns and skeletons. A stuffed baby rhino is one of the finest pieces on display in the museum. Mandible bones of a whale placed on either side of the hall dwarfs you whereas a well preserved two- headed calf surprises us.

The military section has a splendid collection of weapons and artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. The leather-canons seized during the 1st Nepal- Tibet war in 1792 A.D (can’t help wondering about its durability and its ability to withstand fire) is one of its priceless possessions. The use of cane helmets at a time when metals and stones predominated shows the ingenuity of the early rulers. Antique, electric and Thomson sub-machine guns give a clear picture of Nepal’s strong artillery at that time. Birgun, a gun supposedly invented by Gahendra Shamsher JB Rana shows the inventor’s ingenuity. Despite being landlocked, Nepal had contact with far away places of which the sword presented by Napoleon Bonaparte III speaks for itself. The westernized military uniform of Bhimsen Thapa incidentally looks like that of Napoleon. Tiger hunting was the favorite Royal Sport in the old days and the bigger than life-size paintings say it all. These paintings are retrospective of the past; the glamorous lifestyle of the bygone royal days.

The numismatic section proudly preserves its unique coins made of leather and clay belonging to the 1st century Lichhavi era. Note: the Tibetan coins are very similar to the coins produced in Bhaktapur around the same period. This was because the Tibetan coins were minted in Bhaktapur itself at that time. The spacious hall of this section leads to huge green windows, much bigger than the normal – sized doors. Once inside, one cannot help being drawn to these huge windows.

Outside, the panoramic view of the valley and the surrounding hills makes us ponder with satisfaction: for being one among the thousands of visitors drawn to this museum every year, and for placing Chauni National Museum on the agenda of your cultural tour in Nepal.

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