Image Source: Saumya.purkayastha
About Assam State Museum
The Assam State Museum in Guwahati is one of the most important cultural and historical landmarks in Assam. Established in 1940 by the Kamarupa Anusandhan Samiti (Assam Research Society), it was later taken over by the State Government.
The museum showcases Assam’s rich cultural heritage, history, archaeology, epigraphy, ethnography, and art. Its vast collection offers visitors a deep insight into the traditions, lifestyles, and historical evolution of Assam, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts, students, and travelers interested in the northeastern cultural identity.
Key Attractions
The museum houses sculptures, manuscripts, paintings, textiles, arms, and handicrafts that highlight the diverse history of Assam. The archaeological gallery exhibits rare stone and metal sculptures from the Ahom, Sunga, and Gupta periods, while the ethnographic gallery displays traditional attire, ornaments, and artifacts of various indigenous tribes like the Bodo, Mishing, Karbi, and Dimasa communities.
Another highlight is the manuscript section, where ancient scripts written in Sanchi, Assamese, and Sanskrit reveal Assam’s scholarly traditions. Visitors are particularly drawn to the traditional musical instruments, ivory work, and bamboo-cane artifacts that narrate stories of local craftsmanship.
Cultural Importance
The Assam State Museum is not just a display of artifacts but also a reflection of Assamese identity and heritage. It preserves the artistic traditions of weaving, woodwork, and folk art, ensuring that younger generations and tourists understand Assam’s unique cultural journey.
The museum is also a center for research, often hosting academic discussions, exhibitions, and cultural events, making it a lively hub of knowledge exchange.
How to Reach
The Assam State Museum is located at the heart of Guwahati city, near Dighalipukhuri Lake, making it easily accessible.
By Air: The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (25 km away), with taxis and buses available to reach the museum.
By Train: The closest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station (5 km away), well connected to major Indian cities.
By Road: Local transport such as buses, cabs, and auto-rickshaws connect the museum with different parts of Guwahati. It is also situated close to key attractions like the Umananda Temple, Assam State Zoo, and Kamakhya Temple, making it convenient to include in a city tour.
Ticket Price
Rs 300