Mahatma Phule Museum in Pune

In the 19th century the need to exhibit and promote traditional Indian artifacts was felt in India. The country was thus gripped by the museum culture and a large number of museums came up.
How Mahatma Phule Museum Came Into Existence

Some eminent personalities like Bhausahen Natu Laxman Chhatre M.G. Ranade and others from Pune came up with an exhibition at Dane Ali.

The articles on display at the exhibition included silk and cotton clothes clay statues paintings and artistic objects made from clay glass and wood.

The exhibition aimed at promoting and encouraging craftsmen and creating a niche for traditional articles in the market. The objects were promoted as substitutes for the items imported by the British. Indian scholars also organized and conducted seminars to acknowledge the efforts and talent of Indian craftsmen and artists. This finally led to a permanent museum which was accessible to the general public.

When India got her independence it was found that only two museums were owned by the Government - Prince of Wales Museum of Western India and the Lord Ray Industrial Museum of Pune. The latter was under the ownership and management of the then Bombay Government. Later it was renamed Mahatma Phule Museum and the management handed over to a board of trustees.
Displays in Mahatma Phule Museum

The Mahatma Phule Museum in Pune was founded in 1890 as Lord Ray Museum. It is situated on Ghole Road Shivaji Nagar and is in the heart of Pune city. The museum is 130 years old and houses rare artifacts which offer a peek into the glorious history of our country.

The museum displays an array of items relating to agriculture arms and armory forestry geology handicrafts industry natural history and textiles. Other attractions are brass ware clay modeling jewelry items marble statues metal sculptures oil paintings silk-manufacture and stone carvings.

The museum also displays interesting art works of Bidri work papier mache paper production art in nutshells art in grass art in horns lacquer stone tools wooden toys and anatomy articles.
The Living Quarters of Mahatma Phule

The wada or building which is now the museum was once the residence of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. It must have been built in 1852 and Mahatma Phule and his wife lived here.

The house was converted into a museum with photographs of Mahatma Phule with his wife. Mahatma Phule was in favor of girl-child education. He was the first person to open a school for girls and his wife was the first lady teacher.

Inside the wada is a well which Phule had opened for use by the backward classes so that they could easily draw drinking water from it. Today there is a statue of Mahatma Phule in the courtyard and ample space for people to relax under the shady trees. The wada is today a reminder of the 18th and 19th century way of life in Pune.
Attraction and Learning at Mahatma Phule Museum

Although the museum is quite old it has not lost its unique charm. It still attracts a large number of crowds. The museum is of special interest to children and can help them learn and understand history in an interesting way. The fine display of charts models pictures and machines provide great learning for children.

The Mahatma Phule Museum also serves as a platform for the exchange of information and knowledge. It has a well-maintained library with rare collection of books on all subjects. Occasional film shows and seminars conducted in this museum attract many interested audiences.