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India is a land that takes pride in its culture, traditions, heritage, and diversity. Across the country, there are 705 recognised native and ethnic groups who are labelled as Scheduled Tribes. They have an estimated 104 million people in the country, which accounts for 8.6% of the total population. To preserve this invaluable heritage, several state tribal museum have been established across India. If you’re interested in learning more about the tribal community, their history, and their way of life, visiting these museums in India is a must.
10 Best State Tribal Museum In India
Here is a list of the best tribal museums in India which are not only about witnessing the historical artefacts but also educating the public.
1. Tribal Museum, Bhopal
Photo: NAZAARAEY / Wikimedia Commons
The Bhopal Tribal Museum is one of the most prominent museums dedicated to preserving the country’s tribal culture. Established in 2013, the museum houses intricate and historical artefacts and items that depict the traditions of the tribes living in Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh. There are multiple galleries inside the museum, each depicting different aspects of tribal life, such as rituals, daily activities, art, and crafts. The highlight of this museum is its “Ethnic Art Gallery,” where you get a closer look into the art, artefacts, sculptures, and miniature paintings by tribal artists.
Location: Shyamla Hills Rd, near State Museum, Shyamla Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462002
Timings: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indian citizens, ₹100 for foreigners
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2. Odisha State Tribal Museum, Bhubaneswar
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
Alternatively known as the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts, the museum is located in Bhubaneshwar. It preserves the heritage and historical elements of 62 local tribal communities. Established in 1953, it stands as one of the most popular tribal museums in India. You will find all the tribal staples, like costumes, jewellery, fishing equipment, and even ceremonial objects. However, this museum’s “Tribal Habitat Gallery” truly shines, showcasing a variety of “homes” or tribal huts constructed from naturally occurring materials such as mud and thatch, along with readily available natural tools.
Location: Unit – VIII, CRP – DAV Rd, CRPF Colony, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751003
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indian citizens, ₹100 for foreigners
3. Tribal Museum, Pune
Photo: Sbzp / Wikimedia Commons
More popularly known as the “Tribal Cultural Museum,” this is one of the top state tribal museum dedicated to the local tribes across Maharashtra. There are special exhibits depicting the way of life of the tribes from the Sahyadri and Gondwana regions. The museum dates back to 1962 and offers a glimpse into the cultural and social lives of these local tribes. One of the most fascinating exhibits in the gallery is their “Costume Gallery” and “Art and Craft” Gallery, where you can get a closer look at the work of tribal people.
Location: Tribal Research & Training Institute, Koregaon Rd, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children
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4. Gujarat Tribal Museum, Ahmedabad
Photo: Radhadwibedi / Wikimedia Commons
Established in 2004, the Gujarat Tribal Museum offers a deeper look into the diverse traditions of tribes such as the Bhil, Garasia, and Rathwa. One thing that’s interesting about the exhibit is its organised galleries that depict a closer look into various aspects of tribal life through art, music, dance, and daily activities. As you step inside the museum, don’t miss out on witnessing the iconic Pithora Painting Gallery, which showcases the vibrant local art of the Rathwa tribe. You must also explore the textile gallery, where you can get a glimpse into the woven fabrics and intricate embroidery work.
Location: Campus, inside Gujrat Vidyapith, Sattar Taluka Society, Usmanpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380014
Timings: 07:30 AM – 09:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹5 for adults, ₹2 for children
5. Jharkhand Tribal Research Institute and Museum, Ranchi
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Jharkhand Tribal Research Institute and Museum in Ranchi is a hub for the study and preservation of the state’s tribal cultures. The main museum was built in 1974. Two of the most popular exhibits inside the museum are the Tribal Habitat Gallery and the Festival and Ritual Gallery. While the former gives you a glimpse into the authentic furnishings of the tribes, the latter provides a glimpse into the various ceremonies and festivities celebrated by the people. Inside the museum, there is a dedicated library and research centre.
Location: Adalhatu, Tagore Hill Rd, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834008
Timings: 10:30 AM – 05:00 PM
Entry Fee: None
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6. Government Museum & Art Gallery, Chandigarh
Photo: Rhythm Katraia / Wikimedia Commons
While this isn’t a dedicated tribal museum, it has a section that highlights the tribal population throughout the country and is worth a visit. Their tribal exhibit in the gallery showcases the rich heritage of the Kinnauri, Gaddi, and Gujjar communities inhabiting the Himalayan foothills. It has limited exposure to the diverse range of tribal culture and heritage that you would expect in India’s other famous tribal museums. The exhibits include intricately woven shawls, traditional headgear, agricultural tools, and musical instruments. The museum also provides information on the social structure, rituals, and livelihoods of these tribal communities.
Location: Sector, 10C, Sector 10, Chandigarh, 160011
Timings: 10:30 AM – 04:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults
7. Tribal Museum, Araku Valley
Photo: Dissoxciate / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh, this is one of the top tribal museums in India. The museum stands out for its unique structure and architecture. Rather than utilizing a sturdy concrete structure, the museum constructs itself using mud, metal, and colours, setting it apart from other museums. As you step inside, the museum walks you through the local culture, traditions, and heritage of the tribal communities living across the area. Also, you get a closer look into the utensils, which explains how technology was still a prevalent concept back in the day.
Location: Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh 531149
Timings: 09:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹40 for adults and ₹20 for children
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8. Kumuram Bheem Tribal Museum, Kallegaon
Photo: Kasyap / Wikimedia Commons
Kumuram Bheem Tribal Museum, located in Jodeghat village, Telangana, is a popular tribal museum in the country. Kumuram Bheem, a tribal rights activist who championed the rights of the Adivasi people, is the recipient of the museum’s dedication. TConstructed to commemorate the sacrifices, constant valour, and resilience of Kumuram Bheem and his friends martyred at Jodeghat, the museum stands today. The museum was opened to the public in October 2016 by the then Chief Minister, Kalvakuntla Chandra Shekhar Rao. Inside the museum lie a variety of tribal relics, sculptures, tribal customs, and events.
Location: Jodaghat, Kallegaon, Telangana 504294
Timings: 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
9. Aadivart Tribal Museum, Khajuraho
Photo: juggadery / Wikimedia Commons
The Aadivart Tribal Museum Khajuraho is an often overlooked tribal museum in India that deserves a visit. The museum is divided into two distinct parts: the tribal village and the interactive museum. ou step inside, you can kick-start your tour with the tribal village first to get a closer look into the seven major tribes of Madhya Pradesh, their way of life, their culture, and their traditions. Seeing them in real-time is truly a treat for the eyes. The interactive museum houses exhibits and galleries showcasing the tools, furniture, lives, art, and culture of the tribes residing in the state.
Location: Aadivart tribal museum, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
Timings: 12:00 PM – 09:00 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹400 for Foreigners
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10. Nehru Centenary Tribal Museum, Hyderabad
Photo: Adbh266 / Wikimedia Commons
Last on the list of the best historical tribal museums in India is the Nehru Centenary Tribal Museum in Hyderabad. It is located inside the Red and White building in Hyderabad and contains artefacts and other elements depicting the lifestyle, culture, and heritage of the local tribes in the area. The museum isn’t extensive but features a few unique exhibits, including literature, figurines, sculptures, and dioramas. One unique aspect of this museum is the “market section,” where local tribal communities come to sell their items. So, in a sense, you are supporting the local tribal community while learning about them.
Location: CC3X+6V8, Owaisi Pura, Masab Tank, Hyderabad, Telangana 500028
Timings: 10:30 AM – 05:00 PM (closed on Sundays)
Entry Fee: None
State tribal museum in India play an integral role in preserving the culture and history of the native tribes and indigenous people that inhabit the country. Stepping inside these windows gives you a glimpse into the traditions and culture of the country’s tribal people. So, if you’re considering visiting these museums, secure your bookings and plan a trip with TripXL to get the best deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: Balaji / Wikimedia Commons
