Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum

Brief History

Part of the LD Institute of Indology, this museum houses a fine collection of ancient and medieval Indian art treasures, including stone, marble, bronze and woodcarvings and 75,000 Jain manuscripts in over nine galleries dedicated to a specific variety of art or historical heritage. The 6th-century AD sandstone carving from Madhya Pradesh, the oldest-known carved image of the god Rama, is also part of the collection amidst ancient coins, bronze and stone statues and artwork. Amongst other noteworthy pieces, the Chola style Nataraja (11th century AD) and an exuberant Nepali/ Tibetan bronze Mandala (18th century AD) are prominent exhibits in the gallery.

Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai, a well-known Ahmedabad based industrialist, and Jain Acharya Muni Punyavijayji jointly established the museum in 1956 as the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute of Indology. Muni Punyavijayji donated his personal collection of manuscripts, bronzes and paintings. The collection grew more extensive over the years and the vast repository of heritage needed more space to showcase. In 1984, a new building adjacent to the LD Institute of Indology was built by world acclaimed architect, Balakrishna Doshi. The LD Museum was formally inaugurated by Brajkumar Nehru, the then Governor of Gujarat.