By Anjali Solanki
In the heart of Bhopal, nestled on the scenic Shamla Hills overlooking the Upper Lake, lies the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, also known as the National Museum of Mankind. This sprawling 200-acre anthropological treasure is a celebration of India’s cultural diversity and human evolution. On a crisp October morning, I embarked on a memorable visit to this unique museum with my friends, eager to explore its stories of mankind woven through time and space.
Entry Fee
We arrived at the museum’s Gate No. 1, near the Regional College entry, around 10:30 AM, just as it opened for the day. The weather was perfect cool and pleasant, ideal for wandering the vast open-air exhibits. The entry fee was affordable at INR 50 per person, and we grabbed our tickets at the counter, excited for the adventure ahead. a history enthusiast, was particularly thrilled about the prehistoric rock shelters, a rare feature that makes this museum one-of-a-kind globally.
Tribal Habitat Gallery
As we stepped into the museum, we were greeted by a serene landscape of undulating hills dotted with tribal dwellings and cultural displays. The museum’s layout, with its blend of 8 open-air and 12 indoor galleries, felt like a journey through India’s cultural mosaic. We decided to start with the open-air exhibits, which showcase life-sized replicas of tribal and rural habitats. The Tribal Habitat gallery was our first stop, where we marveled at the intricately recreated homes of India’s indigenous communities. I pointed out the detailed craftsmanship in the Gond tribe’s dwellings, their walls adorned with vibrant patterns that told stories of their connection to nature.
The Veethi-Sankul gallery
Next, we wandered into the Coastal Village exhibit, which transported us to the shores of India’s seaside communities. The salty breeze from the nearby Upper Lake seemed to complement the setting, and I couldn’t resist taking photos of the traditional fishing nets and thatched huts. The Desert Village followed, with its stark beauty reflecting the resilience of Rajasthan’s arid communities. We were both struck by how the museum captured the essence of each ecosystem, from the Himalayan Village’s rugged charm to the lush River Valley Culture display.
By noon, we were ready to explore the indoor galleries. The Veethi-Sankul gallery was a highlight, with its ethnographic exhibits on human bio-cultural evolution and ethnic art. Anjali was fascinated by the Lingo Yatra display, which showcased the vibrant festivals of the Koitor tribe. I was equally captivated by the Ethno-musical Gallery, where traditional instruments from across India were displayed alongside multimedia presentations. The museum’s reference library, with over 45,000 volumes, caught my eye, and I made a mental note to return for research someday.
Prehistoric Painted Rock Shelters
One of the museum’s most unique features was its prehistoric painted rock shelters, a testament to Bhopal’s ancient human settlements. We stood in awe before these natural canvases, their faded ochre and red paintings whispering tales of early humans.
imagined the lives of the people who created these artworks thousands of years ago, hunting and gathering in the very hills we stood on.
Around 1:30 PM, we took a break at a shaded spot near the Traditional Technology Park, where artisans sometimes demonstrate crafts like pottery and weaving. Though no workshops were scheduled that day, the park’s displays of ancient tools and techniques sparked a lively discussion between us about how innovation has shaped human history. We munched on some snacks we’d brought, soaking in the view of the Upper Lake shimmering in the distance.
Aiyyanar Shrine Complex
Our final stop was the Mythological Trail, an open-air exhibit blending folklore and spirituality. I loved the Aiyyanar Shrine Complex, its colorful deities and sacred spaces reflecting South India’s devotional traditions. As we walked, we noticed groups of students sketching and families exploring, the museum’s visitor-friendly environment making it a hub for learning and discovery.
By 3:00 PM, after nearly four hours of exploration, we felt both enriched and amazed by the museum’s vastness. I remarked how the Manav Sangrahalaya didn’t just preserve artifacts but brought India’s living heritage to life. Before leaving, we checked out the small gift shop near the entrance, where I picked up a booklet on tribal art.
Carrying memories and pledging to come back
As we left the museum, the sun was still high, casting a golden glow over Shamla Hills. Our visit had been a journey through India’s past and present, a reminder of the diversity that defines the nation. I agreed we’d be back, perhaps for one of the museum’s cultural festivals or workshops, to dive even deeper into the story of mankind. For now, we carried home memories of a day well spent, filled with wonder and shared discoveries.