Rare terracotta sculptures to be showcased at Buxar's museum

Time of India

22-05-2025

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Buxar: Rare terracotta sculptures unearthed from Chausa Garh will soon be showcased at the Sitaram Upadhyay Museum, located near Ramrekha Ghat, in Buxar. A new Chausa Clay Statue Gallery is being developed to exhibit these priceless artefacts, many of which date back to the Gupta period, museum in charge Shiv Kumar Mishra said on Thursday.
The sculptures were discovered during archaeological excavations conducted by the state govt's directorate of archaeology between 2011 and 2014. Scholars Umesh Chandra Dwivedi and Jalaj Kumar Tiwari have meticulously studied and documented around 50 terracotta figures recovered from the site.
Most of the statues depict scenes from the Ramayana, such as Sita Haran (the abduction of Sita), battles involving Ram and Lakshman, and figures of Hanuman and Sugriv.
Several sculptures are inscribed in Brahmi script, dating back to the 4th century AD.
One of the most significant pieces is the Kalyan Sundara sculpture, representing the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati. It is considered the earliest known terracotta depiction of this theme in the country.
"These artefacts not only reflect the artistic brilliance of the Gupta era but also stand as invaluable cultural and historical treasures of the country," Mishra said.
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"If you want to connect with our heritage, this museum is a must-visit."
The Sitaram Upadhyay Museum is a rich confluence of ancient relics. It houses a vast array of statues and artefacts of deities dating from prehistoric times to the Kushan period, primarily unearthed from excavations in Buxar, Chausa, and the Dumraon subdivision.
However, despite its historical significance, the museum receives only 10-12 visitors on an average day.
"Many residents are still unaware of this remarkable cultural heritage site," said Abhijit Kumar, a local teacher of history.
The museum's collection spans from 3rd century BC to 7th century AD, representing the pre-Mauryan, Kushan, and Gupta periods. Among the highlights is what is believed to be the oldest known statue of Lord Nandi.
Established in 1979, the museum underwent a major transformation in 1993 with the construction of a new building by the Bihar art and culture department.
This development is documented in the museum's visitor records.
The museum houses approximately 1,500 antiquities, categorised into stone sculptures, terracotta figures, manuscripts, lithographs, coins, and prehistoric relics. Key exhibits include statues of Lord Vishnu, Shiva (Shankar), and Nandi—strong evidence of the influence of Vaishnavism and Shaivism in ancient India.
The museum also boasts an extensive coin collection, ranging from ancient to medieval times.
It includes punch-marked coins—the earliest known in Indian history—as well as coins from the Greek, Kushan, Shaka, Gupta, and Mughal periods, crafted in gold, silver, copper, and lead.
"Despite having only four staff members, including myself, we are committed to revitalising interest in the museum," Mishra said. In March 2024, the museum hosted a national seminar titled Art of Magadh. On World Heritage Day and International Museum Day, various events were organized for school students and the general public, including a photo exhibition showcasing Bihar's rich heritage.