The Watson Museum is one of the beautiful attractions of Rajkot in Gujarat. Considered one among the seven such museums of the Saurashtra region, this museum is maintained by the Gujarat State Government.
Some of the displays of the museum include collections of precious items from the princely state of Rajkot, that were found by the Jadeja Rajputs. Let us take a virtual tour of Watson Museum in Rajkot.
Established in 1888, the Watson Museum is named after Colonel James Watson, who was a political agent of Saurashtra. Sir Watson was one who initiated citations and gave suggestions on the artefacts related to the royal families in that region. He was also passionate about collecting the historical details and other information about Rajkot. All these documents are preserved in the museum.
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The main sections of the museum are sculptures, paintings & manuscripts, textile, inscription, coins, anthropology, folk embroidery, handicraft, musical instruments, wood work, natural history and rocks & minerals.
Some of the important exhibits found in the museum include items from the 13th century like the carvings, tribal costumes, temple statues, silverware, ancient coins and other things that belonged to that period. The museum also has copies of artefacts from Mohenjodaro, temple statues, natural history, carvings from 13th century, costumes and designs of the houses of the local tribes here.
Another highlight of Watson Museum is its artefacts that are from the period of Harappan civilisation and several sculptures that belong to the erstwhile Ghumali. Do not miss to visit the Lang Library which is in the museum premises.
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An event that takes place every year in the museum is the Bhartiya Shilp Samruddhi. It is a week long celebration that takes place here during the second week of January.
Opening Timings: 9am-1pm and 3pm to 6pm from Monday to Saturday. The museum is closed on public holidays, Saturdays and every 2ng 4th Saturday of the month.
Other Tourist Attractions to See in Rajkot
Some of the other tourist places in Rajkot that can be explored include Kaba Gandhi no Delo, Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Bajana, Ranjit Vilas Palace, Khambalida caves, Hingolgadh and Jetpur amongst the rest.
How to reach the Watson Museum
Watson Museum is located right in the heart of Rajkot city. Here's how you can reach Rajkot.