Friday, July 29, 2011

ASI Museum , Aihole

            The 'Archeological survey of India' (ASI) is the most important organization dealing with archeological researches and responsible for protection of India's rich history and heritage. There are 41 ASI museums all over India. One of the museums is located inside the main enclosure of Aihole,  opposite to the famous Durga Temple. The museum houses many stone sculptures that were found in and around Aihole. The museum has an open air gallery exhibiting the various master pieces (mostly idols of various gods and goddesses and hero stones) of the Chalukyan era. The inside of the museum displays stone sculptures, artefacts and photographs of pre-historic findings and of the Chalukyan period giving information about the place of find and its approximate period.
Varuna (Rain God) on Makara (Crocodile)
Hero Stone
Hero Stone
Lajja Devi - Fertility Goddess (in the centre)
Intricately Carved Pillar

Beheaded Mohini
Lord Vishnu with his Consorts
 Pillar Base
Nataraja
Sapthamathrikas
Sapthamathrikas
Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha
Hero Stone
Hero Stone
Hero Stone
Ruins
Looks like ET
    Photography is limited to the open air gallery. The entrance fee to the museum  is as low as it can get with only Rs 2 per head. It proves a worthy place to get a quick insight into the history of Aihole and its significance during various periods including the pre historic period.
References:
1 ASI .

11 comments:

  1. Very Nice.. I enjoyed seeing all these sculptures!

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  2. WOW! WAS NOT AWARE THAT ASI HAS MUSEUMS!

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  3. Superb captures and what a fascinating and interesting post for the day! I enjoyed it so very much! Thank you! Hope you have a great weekend!

    Sylvia

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  4. खजाना हमें भी देखने को मिला।

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  5. You have shared so many shots, a feast to eyes.

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  6. Very nice! I particularly loved the rain god and Ganesha sculptures...

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  7. as usual ur photos r wonderful.... the place seems to be interesting... lot of ganesha idols.... the place itself is too historic in appearance...

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  8. Very beautiful...
    Loved the Lord Ganesha idols... So much expression...
    Really a treasure trove, these sculptures!

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  9. Great shots. I t is long time, since I had been here.

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  10. nice photos with information...

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  11. :) rustic yet beautiful...

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