The Himalaya Museum was established in 1987 under the auspices of the Department of History, Kumaun University, Nainital. It was inaugurated by Prof. Yashpal, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission. Since its inception the museum has been actively involved in the task of collection, compilation recording, and documentation. It has put up many important exhibitions in various places, including the university campus, and has organized a number of seminars and conferences, the assistance of the Department of History. The Museum building exhibits important document related not only to the archaeology and History of Uttarakhand but also to its folk literature, regional journalism, agricultural implements, coins, household articles, musical instruments, Personality, People, Documents and the independence movements.
Statues and Veerkhambs (Victory Pillars):- Statues dating back from the 2nd century BC to the 15th century AD. These includes statues of the four-armed Ganesha, the four-armed Vishnu, the two armed Sun God, the four-armed Varah, Navgrah etc. The Museum also houses Several (Victory Stones) Veerkhambs).
Coins:- Approximately 300 coins, including a gold coins dating back to the Kushana period, numerous coins from the Kushana period, numerous coins from the medieval and modern periods and also some coins from other countries
Agricultural implements:- Including a plough, danela, yoke, millstone etc.
Household articles:- Various household articles which were commonly used in the region including a wooden kneading dish or pavo, bisavo, daunkali, thhinka, a mackintosh fashioned out of malu leaves, wooden casks or thhekis, used for storing ghee and salt.
Folk Musical instruments:- including local drums, dhols,damau,toori, ransinga, hurka etc.
Masks:- A complete set of masks, used during the folk festival hiljatra, the farra or shield used during the pashan- yuddha (stonepelting festival) at Devidhura.
Regional and National newspapers:- Miscellaneous Issues of Almora Akhbar, Shakti, Garhwali Swadheen Praja, Karmabhoomi, Tarun Kumaun, Harijan Sewak, Young India, Hindi Navjeevan and the complete files of the Parvateeya.
Manuscripts:- - Rishi Tarpan Paddhati, Harivansh Purana, Yagheshwar Mahatmya, Ramganga Mahatmya, Shiv Purana etc.
Weapons:- Shield and sword belonging to the Chand dynasty, shield and sword used during at chholiya dance.
Pictorial Collection:- Approximately 1000 photographs dealing with the biodiversity, rock carvings, society, culture, folk art, regional, journalism, the freedom movements, Tamra patras (Copper Plates), temples, places and the people of Uttarakhand and with Mahatama Gandhi visit to Kumaun.
Miscellaneous Objects:- A gharat or (water flour mill), mortar, water-pipe, urns decorated in the local art form known as aepan, ring stone or amlak, pottery or mridbhand fossils, baskets etc.
Therefore, a visit to the museum will provide visitors with a panoramic view of Uttarakhand’s march of development, from ancient times to the modern age.
Opening Time:- 10.30 A.m.-1.00 P.M & 1.30 P.M.- 4.00 P.M.
Museum will close on Sunday and other holidays mentioned in Unversity Academic Calender.
Contact:- Dr. Heera Singh Bhakuni, Curator, Mobile no- 9759892471
Route:-
- From Mallital Flats to Rajbhawan Road at D.S.B. Campus by Taxi or on foot.
- From Tallital Bus Stand via Fansi Gadhera on foot.
