Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum is located in Itanagar, the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. The museum was established in 1980 and is named after India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. It is one of the major tourist attractions in the state and is known for its collection of artefacts that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.
The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including traditional handicrafts, textiles, and weapons from the various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. It also displays the state's flora and fauna, geology, and history. Visitors can learn about the state's diverse cultural traditions through the exhibits that showcase the different art forms, costumes, and musical instruments.
The museum has six galleries that house the exhibits, and each gallery is dedicated to a specific aspect of Arunachal Pradesh's culture and history. The first gallery focuses on the state's tribal heritage and features traditional costumes, handicrafts, and household items. The second gallery showcases the region's natural history, including fossils, minerals, and plants.
The third gallery is dedicated to the state's Buddhist heritage and features sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts related to Buddhism. The fourth gallery displays the state's history, including artefacts related to the British Raj and the Indian Independence movement. The fifth gallery is dedicated to the state's wildlife and features displays of the different animal and bird species in the region.
The sixth gallery showcases the art and crafts of Arunachal Pradesh, including weaving, woodcarving, and metalworking.
The museum has an outdoor section featuring traditional houses of different tribes, including the Adi, Nyishi, and Apatani. These houses have been reconstructed to give visitors an insight into the architecture and way of life of the different tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
Places To Visit Near Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum:
Ita Fort is just a few kilometres from Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum and is a popular tourist attraction in Itanagar. The fort is believed to have been built around the 14th-15th century and is made of brick and stone.
Ganga Lake, also known as Gyakar Sinyi, is a beautiful natural lake about 6 km from Itanagar. Lush green forests surround the lake, and it is popular for picnics and boating.
Indira Gandhi Park is a popular recreational park in the heart of Itanagar. The park has a jogging track, a children's play area, and several gardens and fountains.
Naharlagun:
Naharlagun is a town located about 10 km from Itanagar and is known for its beautiful temples, such as the Gompa Buddha Vihar and the Shiva Mandir.
Polo Park is a beautiful botanical garden in the heart of Itanagar. The park has several varieties of flowers and plants and is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Chimpu Falls:
Chimpu Falls is a beautiful waterfall about 30 km from Itanagar. Lush green forests surround the waterfall, a popular spot for trekking and picnics.
Banderdewa:
Banderdewa is a town located about 20 km from Itanagar and is known for its beautiful temples, such as the Hanuman Mandir and the Maa Kali Mandir.
These are just a few places to visit near Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum. Visitors to Itanagar can also explore the nearby villages and towns to experience the local culture and lifestyle of the region.