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Jalan Museum, also known as Quila House, lies in Patna, Bihar, and features colonial architecture and houses historical artefacts from Bihar. The museum is a blend of colonial architecture and India’s ancient heritage, with each room curated by a different authority dedicated to the respective periods and cultural textures. Established by D.P. Jalan, this museum has a private collection owned by one of Bihar’s most esteemed families, the Jalans, with over ten thousand items sourced from around the globe.
Quick Details About Jalan Museum
Location: Quila House, Patna, Bihar
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM (By appointment only, closed on Sundays)
Entry Fee: ₹100 per person
Nearest Airport: 9 km from Patna Airport
Nearest Railway Station: 6 km from Patna Junction
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Location
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The Jalan Museum is situated on Quila Road, connected to the Ashok Rajpath and Ganga Path. It is located on the refined side of the city with notable buildings, markets, and educational institutions. A nearby landmark is the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library. It is 1 km from BN College, approximately 2 km from Patna High Court, 1.5 km from Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), and roughly 1.8 km from the Bihar State Electricity Board headquarters.
How To Reach Jalan Museum
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By Air: 20 km from the major Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport at Patna. There are taxis at the airport and it will make for a 50-minute drive down to the Jalan Museum.
By Rail: The museum is located at a distance of only 14 km from Patna Junction which serves as the nearest railway station. Then go for an auto rickshaw or a cab that will take you to the museum within 30 minutes.
By Road: Tourists reach the Jalan Museum in Patna easily via buses, taxis, or auto-rickshaws. The nearest bus stand to Jalan Museum is Mangal Talab Bus Stand, which is approximately 1.3 km away. You can easily reach the museum by rickshaw from this bus stand.
Things To Do At Jalan Museum
Jalan Museum is a treasure trove of rare artefacts from around the world. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Explore The Rare Artefacts
Photo: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The museum itself boasts a large collection spanning centuries of Mughal jade work, Chinese and Japanese porcelain, and European ivory carvings. In addition, from ancient Indian Mauryan pottery, and Buddhist sculptures, visitors can also view the sword of Tipu Sultan. It is famous for the dinner service set that belonged to George III, Napoleon’s four-poster bed, Marie Antoinette’s Sevres porcelain, and several fine examples of Chinese jade and Mughal silver filigree artwork.
2. Witness The Colonial Architecture
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The Quila house is over 300 years old and built in British colonial style, making it a uniquely original blend of European architecture that incorporates traditional Indian features. The guided tours allow the guest to entirely appreciate both the architectural grandeur as well as the remarkable historical importance of the artefacts. In addition to keeping its international collections, the museum is also keen on the rich history of Bihar.
Places To Visit Near Jalan Museum
After visiting the museum, there are several other historical and cultural spots nearby that are worth exploring:
1. Patna Sahib
Photo: Shivamsetu / Wikimedia Commons
Approximately 10 min walk from the museum, there is Patna Sahib. This sacred sanctuary for Sikhs was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839 to commemorate Guru Gobind Singh’s birthplace. It is a very significant place both historically and religiously, and there are a lot of devotees visiting the place every year. Here, four iron arrows, a pair of his sandals, and the sacred sword with Hukamnamas of Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Tegh Bahadur are preserved.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: None
2. Golghar
Photo: Rashmi Alpana / Wikimedia Commons
In 1786, Golghar was built by Captain John Garstin to fight off famine. The staircase spiral reaches the top and offers a beautiful panoramic view of Patna and the Ganges. This beehive-shaped structure is a great and beautiful symbol of Bihar’s colonial history. It is 29 metres tall and has 32-35 metres of diameter. The area surrounding Golghar is a known picnic spot that attracts many visitors.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: None
3. Gandhi Maidan
Photo: Heax18 / Wikimedia Commons
The Gandhi Maidan is a historic location that is 13 km from the museum and several political movements for freedom were fought here. It is a contemporary assembly point, festival, and fairground at present. It is spread on 62-acre ground with a 70-foot-tall statue of Mahatma Gandhi standing in the Maidan representing the independent motherland with pride.
Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: None
4. Patna Museum
Photo: Photo Dharma / Wikimedia Commons
Within 14 km of the Jalan Museum, you will find Patna Museum, exhibiting a great variety of historical artefacts, from Buddhist relics and Mauryan sculptures to a fossilised tree of approximately 200 million years. It was established in 1917, during the British Raj, constructed in the style of Mughal and Rajput architecture was completed in 1928. The museum displays more about the ancient history of Bihar, which can be a complement to the collection in the Jalan Museum.
Timings: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹15 for Indian tourists, ₹250 for foreign tourists
5. Bihar Museum
Photo: Shivamsetu / Wikimedia Commons
The Bihar Museum is a newer addition to Patna, which was opened in 2015. This museum is about 16 km away from the Jalan Museum, and it features interactive galleries. The focus of the museum is the ancient history of Bihar, particularly the Mauryan Empire, and it provides a more well-rounded picture of the state’s history and its place within the culture of India.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100 for Indian adults, ₹500 for international tourists,
Where To Stay
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You can find many accommodation options near the Jalan museum in Patna to retreat to after long days of travel. Some of these options are Hotel Raj residency, Grand G Palace, The Panache, Hotel Sharda and Hotel Gargee grand. It is advised to make a booking in advance for rooms and facilities of your choice.
Where To Eat
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There are many restaurants and eateries near the Jalan museum that offer all tourists the authentic flavours of Bihar along with all your comfort continental meals. Some of these restaurants are Ros stove chowk, The Pot Belly, MotiLal Delux, Grand Biryani Mahal and Foresto Paradise.
The Jalan Museum is an idiosyncratic representation of Bihar’s cultural and historical heritage throughout the centuries. Comprising global and local artefacts, the collection is an embodiment of colonial heritage and anthropological findings. For curious minds interested in Bihar’s history or the country’s historical events throughout the centuries, the Jalan Museum is a must-see attraction. Book your cultural experience at Jalan museum with TripXL!
Cover Photo: Rupesh Kumar Photography / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
