Gujari Mahal in Gwalior was constructed by Raja Man Singh in the 15th century. The story goes that the king built it for his wife Mrignayani, who was a Gujar princess. Hence the name, Gujari Mahal. The queen had demanded a separate palace for herself, which would also provide her with an adequate supply of water. Hence, Gujari Mahal was constructed near the Rai River.
In 1922, the palace was converted into a museum and was renamed to Central Archaeological Museum. The museum is known for its wide collection of sculptures, coins, pottery, terracotta, paintings, inscriptions, and weapons. Interestingly, this museum houses 28 galleries and around 6,000 artefacts.
The museum possesses antiques from the 2nd century to at least 300 years ago. Some of the masterpieces are Shalabhanjika Yakshi, Nataraja Ardhanareshwara, Trimurthi, and Yamaraja. The terracotta collection has astounding images of Ram, Sita, and others from the 2nd to 5th centuries. The museum is also popular for a huge collection of photographs including the Bagh Cave paintings and monuments of India. For history
lovers, 75-year-old photographs of Mandu and Dhar are a huge attraction. The collection also provides pieces of evidence that 15 of the greatest singers of our country, including Tansen, learnt classical singing in this mahal.

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The central courtyard of the Gujari Mahal museum
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Shiva Veenadhar-Suhaniya, Morena; 13th century AD
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A 13th-century decorative pillar in the courtyard of the museum
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Bodhisattva Vajrapani; 17th century, Gwalior
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Mother Goddess: Besnagar, Vidisha; 5th century AD
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Varaha: Badoh, Vidisha; 11th-12th century AD
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The arms and weapons gallery in the basement of the museum
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Women resting near a lion statue at the entrance of the Gujari Mahal museum
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A 15 th -century Hanuman statue in the premises of the Gujari Mahal museum
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An elephant statue stands in the balcony of the museum’s entrance
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Parvati, 10th-11th century AD
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Terracotta head with a unique hairstyle, Pawaya, Gwalior, 3-4 century AD