Praia Da Mariquita | Namibe

Information

Landmark: Praia Da Mariquita
City: Namibe
Country: Angola
Continent: Africa

Praia Da Mariquita, Namibe, Angola, Africa

The Varendra Research Museum is a historical and archaeological museum located in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. It houses a significant collection of artifacts from the region's past.

Visual Characteristics

The museum building is a two-story structure constructed primarily of brick with a plastered facade. It features a classical architectural style with arched windows and a prominent central entrance. The exterior is painted a light cream color, contrasting with darker trim around the windows and doors. The interior exhibition halls are designed for artifact display, with controlled lighting and display cases.

Location & Access Logistics

The Varendra Research Museum is situated in the heart of Rajshahi city, approximately 1.5 kilometers south of the central bus terminal. Access is via Shaheb Bazar Road. Limited on-street parking is available near the museum entrance. Public transport within Rajshahi includes auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws, which can be hired to reach the museum from any point in the city.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The museum was established in 1910 by Kumar Sarat Kumar Roy, a local zamindar and archaeologist, with the aim of preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Varendra region. The collection primarily consists of archaeological finds, sculptures, coins, manuscripts, and folk art dating from the ancient to medieval periods of Bengal's history.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can view extensive collections of Gandhara and Gupta period sculptures, Pala and Sena dynasty artifacts, and a significant number of ancient coins. The museum also displays terracotta plaques, manuscripts written on palm leaves, and traditional folk art. Guided tours are available upon request.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the ground floor. Limited seating is provided within the exhibition halls. Shade is available in the immediate vicinity of the building. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally good within the museum premises. There are no on-site food vendors, but numerous food stalls and restaurants are located within a 500-meter radius around Shaheb Bazar.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day to visit for optimal viewing conditions is during daylight hours, typically between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when natural light assists in viewing the artifacts. The most favorable months for visiting Rajshahi are from October to March, when the weather is cooler and drier. There are no tide-related considerations for visiting this inland museum.

Facts & Legends

A notable artifact in the museum's collection is the "Dancing Girl" sculpture, a bronze statuette believed to be from the Indus Valley Civilization, though its provenance is debated among scholars. The museum's establishment was a significant step in the preservation of regional history during the British colonial era.