Kangra Fort Museum
| Place | Kangra |
|---|---|
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 2002 |
| Museum Type | Historical and Biographical (Royal Family Museum) |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | Old Kangra, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176001 |
| Visiting Time | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Open daily) |
| Entry Fee | ₹150 for Indians / ₹300 for Foreigners |
Museum Introduction
Located at the entrance of the 3,500-year-old Kangra Fort (the oldest fort in India), this private museum was established by the Royal Family of Kangra (the Katoch Dynasty) to preserve their 400 generations of history. It is specifically named after Maharaja Sansar Chandra, the most famous ruler of the dynasty and a legendary patron of the Kangra School of Miniature Painting.
General Collections
The museum houses an extensive collection of royal artifacts including antique weaponry (swords, daggers, and muskets), elaborate palanquins, silver hookahs, and traditional royal costumes. It also features a rare photographic archive of the fort before and after the devastating 1905 earthquake.
Unique Historical Collections
The museum is renowned for its Kangra Miniature Paintings, specifically those from the late 18th century. It also displays the "Katoch Vamshavali" (genealogy scroll), which traces the lineage of the family back to the Mahabharata era, making it one of the longest recorded royal lineages in the world.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | Yes |
|---|---|
| Notes | The museum provides a professional audio guide (available in multiple languages) which is narrated by the current head of the royal family, Tikaraj Aishwarya Katoch. This guide is essential for understanding the context of the fort's many sieges. |
| Artifacts | Original 18th-century Kangra Miniatures; Gold-plated palanquins; Royal "Gaddi" (throne) accessories; Ancient coins of the Kangra state; Genealogical scrolls; 19th-century British-era photographs of the ruins. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details |
+91 1892 263033 +91 98160 66111 |
| Email ID | info@kangrafort.org |
Artifact Gallery
