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 The state of Maharashtra is situated in the western part of India. It has the distinction of being the third-largest and second-most populous state of India. The geographical terrain of this state is characterized by major rivers like Godavari and Krishna, palm-fringed beaches and lofty, cool-green mountains. The natural beauty of Maharashtra, along with certain world heritage sites, several popular Hindu pilgrimage sites, national parks and bustling cosmopolitan cities draw tourists to this state. Museums of Maharashtra are no exception in this regard. They have also added value to the tourism of this state.
These museums will familiarize its visitors with the past and cultural heritage of the state. These museums are the preservers of the ancient as well as the modern traditional background of the state. They serve as ideal places for historical buffs.
The capital city of Maharashtra, Mumbai, serves as a home to the National Maritime Museum, Prince of Wales Museum, Veermata Jeejamata Museum and Mahatma Gandhi Museum. The Coin Museum is housed in Nasik, a city and the administrative headquarter of the Nashik District and Nashik Division.
Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum adds to the beauty of Kolhapur, a city in the Panchganga River Basin. Pune, the 9th most populous city of India is a home to the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum and Tribal Museum. Shri Bhavani Museum is located in Aundh in Satara District.
Exhibits of the Museums of Maharashtra
National Maritime Museum is a storehouse of models of ships built in Mumbai and historical relics of India obtained from other countries. Prince of Wales Museum serves as a depository for ancient artworks of Hindu God, Krishna, sculptures, Indian traditional costumes, a collection of 2000 rare miniature paintings from several noteworthy art schools in India etc. Some of the exhibits of the Veermata Jeejamata Museum are finely wrought silver and copper ware, clay models, costumes, fossils and minerals, delicate ivories and models of temples. The Coin Museum is bedecked with coins, moulds, dyes, replicas, photographs, concise write-up etc. Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum holds a fine collection of possessions of Chhatrapatis of Kolhapur like costumes, weapons, games, jewellery, embroidery and paraphernalia etc. Other noteworthy aspects of this museum are Aurangzeb's swords and a letter from the British Viceroy and Governor General of India. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is preserving items like door frames, vessels, ornaments, musical instruments, paintings and carvings. The Tribal Museum holds items representative of the tribal communities of Maharashtra like ornaments, musical instruments, clothes, utensils and weapons. Shri Bhavani Museum is a home to 500 miniature paintings ranging between 15th and 19th century.
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