Nagpur: The Central Museum in Nagpur, steeped in a 160-year legacy, has recently adorned its premises with a remarkable addition: Eight British-era cannons discovered from the historic Kasturchand Park in the city. A local daily report highlighted that the museum’s landscape has undergone a transformation with the display of these ancient cannons adorned with the British crown insignia.
Following a meticulous process of conservation employing scientific methods, including chemical treatment, expert hands meticulously installed these cannons at designated locations within the museum premises. The State Archaeology Department, as the custodian of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage, arranged for the public display of these significant iron artefacts from the British period.
Gold Rate
27 June 2025
Originally unearthed by workers during the excavation for a jogging and walking track at Kasturchand Park in October 2019, these cannons were discovered south of the pavilion. The initiative for constructing the track was undertaken by Solar Industries in collaboration with the District Collectorate, Nagpur Municipal Corporation, and the Heritage Conservation Committee as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts.
Historians speculate that these cannons played a role in the Battle of Sitabuldi, a historic clash between the British forces and the Bhonslas of Nagpur in 1817.
The Central Museum, already boasting a rich collection comprising thousands of sculptures, ancient inscriptions, paintings, taxidermy displays of birds and animals, firearms, textiles, ivory idols, coins, manuscripts, archaeological findings, anthropological artefacts, fossils, and other rare antiquities, continues to evolve. To further engage domestic and international visitors, the museum has embraced digital and mobile technologies.
Often referred to as ‘Ajab Bangla,’ the museum has introduced Quick Response (QR) Codes in each gallery. These QR codes correspond to specific artefacts, allowing visitors equipped with smart phones and internet access to scan them using the “GoWhatsThat” app. This innovative approach provides additional information about the museum’s exhibits, enhancing the overall visitor experience and offering deeper insights into the showcased treasures of history and culture.
