Archaeological Museum Bodhgaya

The antiquity of the Mahabodhi temple includes the ruins preserved in this museum. Also see the finest Buddhist sculptures from eastern India, most though disfigured by history. Nonetheless, a treasure trove.

Buddha's related remains are kept here. Pillars of sandstones carved with life events of Buddha and statues carved out of stones are kept here. Most things are from 8th to 9th BC or from 8th to 9th AD and few are from 1st and 2nd BC. Most statues of Buddha are in sitting pose, mainly in Bhumisparsha mudra. Museum is in very good condition with full lights and air-conditioning.
Note: Mobile phones are not allowed inside the museum.

A nice place to visit. Many ancient statue related to buddha can be found here. 10 rupees ticket. Place is neat and clean

One would think that an archaeological museum in Bodh-Gaya, such an important Buddhist site, would be organized in a special manner.

Yet, ASI, with all resources at its command, presents a museum that is underwhelming. Of course one is glad that there exists a museum. But ASI needs to learn from museums elsewhere how to display and exhibit priceless artifacts.

When I visited, one of the galleries with the railings was under repair. You could still walk around but workers were at work and some artifacts had been removed from their positions. I am not sure that there was adequate precaution against damage to the objects while the repair was on.

At any rate, what was a little unsatisfactory to me was the indifferent nature of the cataloging and the labels. They were the bare minimum. "Buddha - Bhumisparsha mudra - 9-10 CE etc."

Some more informational displays, some more background could have been immensely helpful. What is the importance of the building material used, which styles of architecture and sculpture are there and what are the key features.

What is the significance of statues of Prajñaparamita and Nairatmaya Buddha? Is it Bhairava or Mahakala?
What do the Ashokan Brahmi dedicatory inscriptions say?

With past illustrious ASI members such as Dr Debala Mitra and HD Sankalia having written about Bodh Gaya etc, the current ASI can at least emulate their scholarship and present a more well-researched exhibition of these priceless objects.

I was lucky I requested for some sort of book/booklet at the ticket counter on my way out. And they gave me the small brochure whose photos I have attached. Such information should be available to all visitors. Bodh-Gaya is an international destination. The ASI has a great opportunity to put forth a professional exhibition and showcase the treasures of that region.

Timings - 9AM - 5PM

** Since I was foolish - and impatient - for more information I bought a book titled The Art of Bodhgaya from amazon by who else but a former ASI official. A glossy, well produced book, it has all the information about the objects in the museum at least! Esp the railings. So the information is our there - just that ASI does not think it fit for the common people I guess!
From further reading of a variety of sources I gathered that a lot of the art and sculpture is of the Pala period - late 8th to 12th CE? The Bhumisparsha mudra images and the prajña images are typical of that period. The Brahmi lettering are often donative.
Janice Leoshko, Susan Huntington, Jacob Kinnard et al have nice volumes dealing with relevant issues. Of course Alexander Cunningham. Also check out a book called The Mahabodhi Temple by Suresh Bhatia - a labor of love.

most of the original excavations from the nearby Mahabodhi temple are kept at this small Musuem. It’s small and can be done in an hour. The entry fee for Indian is RS10

Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum, situated close to the famous Mahabodhi Temple, was set up in the year 1956. The museum houses some excellent and rare antique collections including terracotta items, sculptures from the 1st century and idols of Hindu gods made of silver, bronze and gold, among others. In a gallery inside, visitors can see all the Dasavatara or incarnations of Lord Vishnu. There are enormous idols of Lord Buddha in abhayamudra position and varaha avatar displayed in the museum. Also on display here are objects belonging to the Mauryan and Gupta periods and coins from the Mughal era.

Collection of ancient monuments of 9- 10 centuries of Buddhist importance. There is minimal ticket charge for Indian national. Must visit for intermidiate huminities students as there is lots of related sculpture related to syllabus

The Archaeological Survey of India has established this museum at Bodhgaya to protect,preserve and propagate the legacy of the region.It is open on all days( except Friday )from 9 am to 5 pm.It is charging admission fee of Rs10/_per person (except children below age of 15 years)
Inside campus drinking water and well maine toilet facility is available.Inside museum cleanness and silence is maintained
PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY IS PROHIBITED INSIDE THE MUSEUM
About 300 priceless antiquities have been displayed in the museum
The museum is having images of lord Buddha in different mudras like bhumiasparsa mudra,dhyan mudra,abhay mudra,dharmachakra pravartan mudra,varada mudra It's period is 9th to 10th cent CE
It has displayed image of crowned Buddha,Tara-Buddhist goddess,Manjushree-God of wisdom,Maitreya-Future Buddha,Jambhal-wealth God ,Avalokitesvara,It has displayed stone railingscarved in sandstone and granite belonging to the main Mahabodhi temple.
I am not capable in giving details of all antiquities preserved in the museum,but if you have come to visit Bodhgaya and want to see finest sculptures of Buddhist affiliation you should spare some time for visiting this great museum