Barton Museum and Library

The Barton Museum is situated in Bhavnagar city, Gujarat. Since 1982, the museum has been administered by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Gujarat. It serves as an important repository of the region’s historical and cultural heritage, attracting visitors interested in exploring Gujarat’s rich past. 

The museum houses an extensive collection of historical and cultural artefacts. Its diverse exhibits provide valuable insights into the history, lifestyle, artistic traditions, and cultural practices of the region. The museum also preserves a vast collection of books and rare manuscripts, offering visitors an opportunity to explore Gujarat’s literary heritage. Recognized as an important destination for understanding the region’s history and culture, Barton Museum attracts history enthusiasts, researchers, and tourists.

The Barton Library was established on 30 December 1882 during the reign of Maharaja Takhtsinhji Gohil. It was named after Colonel L. C. Barton, a British political agent. The library initially began with a modest collection of approximately 5,000 books donated by Chhagan Prasad Desai. Over the years, its collection expanded considerably, making it an important centre of literary and historical knowledge in the region. The institution evolved from earlier reading initiatives undertaken in Bhavnagar during the 1860s, establishing its place among the earliest organized libraries in Gujarat. 

Today, the Barton Library houses more than 60,000 books in several languages, including Gujarati, Hindi, English, and Sanskrit. Its extensive collection reflects the literary and intellectual traditions of the region. The museum section, established at a later stage, preserves a variety of historical artefacts, including coins, weapons, manuscripts, and traditional objects associated with the rulers of Bhavnagar. The library is also believed to have been visited by Mahatma Gandhi, adding to its historical significance. Together, the library and museum serve as valuable repositories of Bhavnagar’s literary, cultural, and historical heritage.

The architecture of the Barton Library is an excellent example of Indo-colonial and Gothic architectural styles. The two-storey building is constructed using ashlar stone masonry and features Gothic arched windows and sloping roofs covered with Mangalore tiles. Among its most distinctive architectural elements are the central tower and spacious reading halls, which contribute to the building’s aesthetic appeal and functional design. 

The structure was thoughtfully designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, ensuring a comfortable environment for readers even without modern cooling systems. The use of high-quality materials, including Burmese wood, along with thick walls and large windows, enhances the building’s durability and architectural character. Another notable feature is the spiral staircase leading to the central tower, which offers panoramic views of Bhavnagar city.

Barton Museum houses a diverse collection of arts and crafts, artefacts, antiquities, and historical and archaeological exhibits. Its collections include traditional weapons, wood carvings, stone sculptures, agricultural tools, copper plate grants, manuscripts, fossils, coins, musical instruments, jewellery, and mural paintings. These exhibits provide valuable insights into the region’s artistic traditions, historical developments, archaeological heritage, and everyday life. 

Among the notable exhibits are copper plate inscriptions belonging to the Maitraka rulers, including Dhruvasena and Shiladitya, dating back to the 5th century. These inscriptions shed light on the achievements and glory of the Maitraka kings, as well as their generous land grants and donations to Buddhist monks, farmers, and ordinary people. They serve as important historical records, offering insights into the political, social, and religious conditions of the period.

The Barton Library, located within the Barton Museum, is a 19th-century institution and one of the oldest libraries in Bhavnagar. Situated in the central part of the city, it holds considerable historical and cultural significance. The library serves as a place of reading and learning, attracting visitors, particularly elderly residents, who frequently visit to read magazines, newspapers, and daily publications. It also houses an extensive collection of books and manuscripts in various languages, preserving valuable literary and historical resources.