Bihar Museum aims to restore state's place in history, says secretary
The institution attracts more than 503,000 visitors annually and features a collection spanning over 5,000 years of history.
The Bihar Museum in Patna has become a significant destination for researchers, students, and tourists, according to the Hindustan Times. Art and culture secretary Pranav Kumar stated that the museum attracts an annual footfall of more than 503,000 people.
The museum features the Didarganj Yakshi, a Mauryan era sculpture made from Chunar sandstone. Other notable items include third-century BCE terracotta Dancing Girl, Kurkihar bronzes, Kushan-period sculptures, and Gupta gold coins.
Kumar noted that contemporary artist Subodh Gupta is associated with the museum through public art installations. He said the institution helps shift cultural narratives away from stereotypes toward a celebration of the state's civilisational legacy.
The museum was an idea conceived by former chief minister Nitish Kumar to house the state's historical repository. Construction began in October 2013, with the facility becoming fully operational across all galleries by October 2017.
The museum recently transitioned to functioning as an independent society known as the Bihar Museum Society. This change is intended to provide the institution with professional governance and creative autonomy.
The museum currently receives administrative and financial support under the monitoring of chief minister Samrat Choudhary.