Did you know that there are more than 40 tribes in Madhya Pradesh, each with their own unique culture, art, and traditions? If you are curious to learn more about these fascinating communities and their way of life, then you should visit the Tribal Museum in Bhopal, a remarkable and fascinating place that showcases the tribal heritage of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh. In this article, we will explore the Tribal Museum in Bhopal, a unique and immersive experience that allows you to witness the tribal art and culture for yourself.
The Design of the Museum
The Tribal Museum in Bhopal was inaugurated in 2013 and dedicated to the tribal people of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, who constitute about 20% of the state’s population. The museum was designed by Revathi Kamath, a renowned Indian architect, who is known for her innovative and eco-friendly projects. The museum reflects the tribal aesthetics and philosophy, using natural materials, such as bamboo, mud, and stone, and incorporating tribal motifs, such as the sun, the moon, and the tree of life. The museum’s exterior and interior are adorned with colourful and intricate paintings, sculptures, and installations, created by the tribal artists themselves. The museum’s design creates a sense of harmony and connection with nature, as well as a sense of wonder and curiosity for the visitors.
The Galleries of the Museum
The Tribal Museum in Bhopal is divided into six galleries, each featuring a different tribe or aspect of tribal life. The galleries are:
The Tribal Life Gallery: This gallery showcases the tribal houses and dwellings, made of bamboo, mud, and grass, and decorated with paintings and artefacts. The gallery also displays the tribal clothing, jewellery, utensils, and tools, as well as the tribal festivals and rituals. The gallery gives you a glimpse of the tribal lifestyle and culture, as well as their relationship with nature and the invisible power.
The Stories of Worship and Sacrifice Gallery: This gallery depicts the tribal stories of worship and sacrifice, which are passed down from generation to generation through oral traditions. The gallery features full-scale models of the tribal shrines and temples, where the tribal people offer prayers and sacrifices to their gods and goddesses. The gallery also narrates the tribal myths and legends, such as the creation of the world, the origin of the tribes, and the battles between the gods and the demons.
The Shitala Gallery: This gallery is dedicated to the goddess Shitala, who is worshipped by the tribal people as the protector from diseases and epidemics. The gallery displays the various forms and manifestations of the goddess, as well as the offerings and rituals associated with her worship. The gallery also explores the tribal concept of health and healing, and the role of the goddess in curing and preventing illnesses.
The Children’s Games Gallery: This gallery showcases the tribal children’s games, which are not only fun and entertaining, but also educational and cultural. The gallery features interactive exhibits, such as puzzles, mazes, board games, and musical instruments, that allow you to play and learn along with the tribal children. The gallery also explains the significance and meaning of the games, and how they reflect the tribal values and beliefs.
The Tribal Art Gallery: This gallery exhibits the tribal art, such as paintings, sculptures, masks, and pottery, that express the tribal creativity and imagination. The gallery also demonstrates the tribal techniques and materials, such as natural colours, clay, wood, and metal, that are used to create the art. The gallery also highlights the tribal themes and symbols, such as animals, plants, and geometric patterns, that are used to convey the tribal worldview and identity.
The Tribal Music and Dance Gallery: This gallery showcases the tribal music and dance, which are integral parts of the tribal culture and expression. The gallery features audio-visual displays, such as videos, recordings, and photographs, that capture the tribal performances of music, dance, and drama. The gallery also displays the tribal musical instruments, such as drums, flutes, and horns, that produce the tribal sounds and rhythms. The gallery also explains the tribal genres and styles, such as folk songs, ballads, and epics, that narrate the tribal history and culture.
The Activities of the Museum
The Tribal Museum in Bhopal also offers various activities to the visitors, such as performances, workshops, and interactive games and quizzes. The activities aim to educate and entertain the visitors, as well as to preserve and promote the tribal heritage. Some of the activities are:
Performances: The museum organizes regular performances of traditional music, dance, and drama, featuring the tribal artists and performers. The performances showcase the tribal talent and diversity, as well as the tribal emotions and messages. The performances are held in the open-air amphitheatre, which can accommodate up to 500 people.
Workshops: The museum conducts workshops on tribal crafts and skills, such as painting, pottery, weaving, and jewellery making, where you can learn from the tribal experts and artisans. The workshops allow you to experience the tribal art and culture first-hand, as well as to create your own tribal souvenirs and gifts.
Interactive games and quizzes: The museum offers interactive games and quizzes, such as puzzles, riddles, and trivia, that test your knowledge and understanding of the tribal art and culture. The games and quizzes are fun and engaging, as well as informative and enlightening. The games and quizzes are available on the museum’s website and mobile app, as well as on the touchscreens and kiosks at the museum.
Conclusion
The Tribal Museum in Bhopal is a remarkable and fascinating place that showcases the rich and diverse tribal art and culture of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh. The museum’s design, galleries, exhibits, and activities offer a unique and immersive experience that allows you to learn about and appreciate the tribal heritage and lifestyle. If you are interested in visiting the Tribal Museum in Bhopal, you can plan your trip according to the following information:
Location: Shyamla Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Hours: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday), closed on Monday
Entry fee: Rs. 10 for Indian nationals, Rs. 100 for foreign nationals, free for children below 12 years and senior citizens above 60 years
Contact details: +91-755-2661848, tribalmuseumbhopal@gmail.com, www.tribalmuseumbhopal.com
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it informative and helpful. Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below. And don’t forget to visit the Tribal Museum in Bhopal and witness the tribal art and culture for yourself. You won’t regret it!
