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About Varanasi >> Museums >> Ram Nagar Fort
and
Museum
Ram Nagar Fort
and
Museum - Varanasi
The residence of
the Maharajali of Varanasi, Ramnagar Fort, looks down upon the
Ganges not far south of the Asi Ghat. The best views of the
fortifications - especially impressive in late afternoon - are
to be had from the other side of the river, which is reached by
a road heading south from the BHU area and over a rickety
pontoon bridge. During the monsoon the bridge is dismaniled and
replaced by a ferry, still preferable to the long main road that
crosses the main Malaviya bridge in the north before heading
down the eastern bank of the river.
Inside, the fort
bears testimony to the wealth of the Maharajah and his
continuing influence. A dusty and poorly kept museum (daily
9am-noon & 2-Spin; Rs3) provides glimpses of a decadent past:
horse-drawn carriages, old motor cars, palanquins, gilded and
ornate silver howdahs (elephant seats), hookaha, costumes and
old silk in a sorry state are all part of the collection, along
with an armoury, a collection of minute ivory carvings, an
astronomical clock and hunting trophies. Some visitors have
reported having tea with the affable Maliarajah after chance
encounters.
Across the
courtyard, a section is devoted to the Ram Ula procession and
festivities, had during Dussehra (Oct). Varanasi is renowned for
its Rain Lila, during which episodes from the Ramayana are
re-enacted throughout the city and the Maharajali sponsors three
weeks of elaborate celebrations.
A 17th - century
fort, Ram Nagar is the home of the Maharaja of Banaras,Personal
collection of the Royal Family housed in the Ramnagar Museum The
museum’s collection includes of interesting vintage silver and
brocade palanquins, howdahs, a replica of the royal bed and an
armoury of swords and guns. (open 10 AM. to 5 PM) Ramnagar is
also very famous for its unique Ram Lila.
Museums
- Varanasi
Bharat Kala
Museum |
Archaeological Museum
|
Ram
Nagar Fort and
Museum
Maharaja Banaras Vidya Mandir
Museum
|
