The State Museum here became richer by two more galleries, one of musical instruments and another of ornaments, and an antique of the 12th-Century Choudwar Copper Rule on the World Museum Day on Monday.
Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda, Bargarh MP Dr Prabhas Singh and Culture Secretary Arabind Padhee inaugurated the galleries. The total number of galleries rose to 15 at the museum opened way back in 1957 by the then President Dr Rajendra Prasad.
The Copper Rule antique which is on display is a composition of five copper plates fixed on a big round-shape bangle, which has been covered around till a little distance from its edge by a figure of a bullock sitting knee-down. Inscriptions in Sanskrit and Pratnanagari are found on its lower edge.
This antique belongs to the era of Ganga ruler Kamarnab. The antique had been recovered from the Gangeswhar pond located at the Birupa river in 1993 during an excavation work. Noted writer Dr Archana Nayak, who donated this antique, was also present. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Panda said steps would be taken to make the museum more visitors friendly.
“The conserved antiques carry memories of our glorious history. The museum needs to be developed further to attract more numbers of visitors. In coming days, more galleries will be opened and old manuscripts will be digitized,” Panda said.
In his speech, the Culture Secretary said a cafeteria would be opened in the museum premises soon. Noted painter Shyamsundar Patnaik and Kolkata-based National Council of Science Museum Director Dr Samarendra Kumar were felicitated on the occasion. The new edition of ‘The Odisha Historical Research Journal’ was released.
While Culture Director Sushil Kumar Das presided over the funcioin, Museum Superintendent Dr Jayanti Rath delivered welcome address and Suchismita Mantri moderated the programme.