Location : Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Attraction : Art galleries

Time to Visit : 11.00 in the morning to 4.30 in the evening in the months between July and April, 7.30 in the morning to 12.30 in noon in months between May and June.

Closed on : Sunday and Public Holidays.

Bharat Kala Bhawan is a brilliant showcase of India's art, craft, and heritage. Developed under the guidance of Raj Krishandas, the museum is categorized into several sections. Located inside Banaras Hindu University, this architectural museum is the storehouse of several sculpture and artworks that belong to the Buddhist and Hindu religions.

Established in 1920, Bharat Kala Bhawan is famous for its unique paintings and textiles. A huge collection of the personal belongings of Krishandas are also present here. One can get to see a vast number of sculptures and miniature paintings that belong to Mughal period. The premises have been divided into sections like Malviya gallery, painting Gallery, archeological gallery, Nicholas gallery, treasure gallery, and sculpture gallery. Considered as one of the best maintained centers of art, the museum is widely visited by a large number of tourists.

The main hall comprises of art works including paintings and sculptures. One can also get to see an exquisitely beautiful image of Lord Krishna who is shown to be standing on a single leg and trying to lift a stone with one hand. The figurine is supposed to be showing the famous incident of lifting the massive Govardhan Mountain on his hand. A number of other sculptures of the Lord indicate his worship in Kashi in 16th century. The miniature paintings from Mughal period are quite ravishing. One can get to know a lot about Mughal courts and the code of conduct that was followed at that time.

Bharat Kala Bhawan is the storehouse of terracotta and bronze images, beads, works of ivory, ornamental items, literary documents, seals, pottery, and other antiquities from Gujarat and Rajasthan. Illustrations from Mrigavati, Shahinama, Kalpa Sutra, and Hamaznama are the main attraction of the place. Utilitarian items from Maurayan, Gupta, and Shunga periods as well as household items from Indus Valley civilization form an important part of the museum. One of the famous stupa of Buddhism from Bharhut is worth-watching. The other distinguishing feature of the museum is the presence of statues from Mathura and Gandhara schools of art. The textile section comprises of silk items from Varanasi, embroidery from Kashmir, and handkerchiefs from Chambal.

Bharat Kala Bhawan stores some of the most priced possessions of Indian heritage. Those coming on a visit to Uttar Pradesh must not forget to spend some time here.