The Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum was opened in 2013 and has six colourful galleries

Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum

This incredible museum tells the stories of local tribal heritage through full-scale models and colourful art installations and performances.

This large ring is a representation of the bracelet given to a bride at a tribal wedding, often marked with a pair of oxen or farmers standing in a field of crops. – © Michael Turtle

A special gallery at the museum shows the tribal history of the neighbouring state of Chhattisgarh. – © Michael Turtle

The Tribal Museum is full of art installations that use clever visual arrangements to tell the story of indigenous culture. – © Michael Turtle

This large ring is a representation of the bracelet given to a bride at a tribal wedding, often marked with a pair of oxen or farmers standing in a field of crops. – © Michael Turtle

The Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum in Bhopal takes you on an immersive journey through the culture of the local tribes of the state. With large colourful displays, the museum shows the art, traditions, daily life, and customs of a large number of indigenous groups.

The gallery of children’s games was made by visiting indigenous communities to take photos and collect different toys. – © Michael Turtle

The Tribal Life Gallery has full-sized models of the tribes’ houses and dwellings, large enough for visitors to go inside. In another gallery, stories of worship and sacrifice are portrayed through impressive art installations. Artefacts from daily life are presented alongside cultural symbols that contain deep meanings passed through the generations.

The Tribal Life Gallery shows the importance of everyday things like having a tree in the courtyard and cattle inside the premises. – © Michael Turtle

The museum has a particular focus on tribal art and how it relates to the culture. A musical instrument, for example, is also a part of an important ritual. A sculpture is also a tribute to a god or spiritual energy. For the tribes, everything is related to an invisible power and items are both practical and supernatural at the same time.

Shrines for the goddess Shitala, one of the main deities of the Bastar region, who protects villages from diseases and other troubles. – © Michael Turtle

There is a lot to see at the Tribal Museum and the exhibitions are full of artefacts and information. Every Friday and Sunday evening, the Museum hosts performances of traditional music, dance, and drama. It is one of the best museums in India and certainly worth a visit.

Visit

Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum

Hours

February to October - 12 noon to 08 pm
November to January - 12 noon to 07 pm

Closed Mondays and holidays

Pricing

Indian citizen - Rs.10 /person (10 years or more)
Overseas citizens - Rs.250 /per person

Photographic fees - Rs.50 (Camera without stand/tripod/flash)