About Kannauj Archaeological Museum
The Kannauj Archaeological Museum is a state-run archaeological museum located in Makrand Nagar, Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh. Established by the Uttar Pradesh State Archaeology Department, it preserves artifacts excavated from the historic city of Kannauj, once the imperial capital of Harsha and the Gurjara-Pratiharas. The museum displays stone sculptures, terracottas, coins, pottery, and architectural fragments dating from the Mauryan to medieval periods, illustrating the region's long urban history.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a compact, single-building museum with indoor galleries displaying excavated stone sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist deities, terracotta figurines, beads, pottery, coins, and architectural fragments from Kannauj and surrounding mounds. Exhibits are arranged chronologically with labels, housed in glass cases. The setting is quiet and educational within the town area, suitable for a short walk-through and close viewing of artifacts.
Key highlights
- 01
Collection of stone sculptures from Gupta to medieval periods including Vishnu, Shiva, Durga and Jain Tirthankara images
- 02
Terracotta figurines, pottery and beads excavated from Kannauj mounds
- 03
Ancient coins and seals illustrating trade and political history of Kannauj
- 04
Architectural fragments and carved panels from temples and historic structures
- 05
Artifacts spanning Mauryan to Gurjara-Pratihara and later medieval periods
History of Kannauj Archaeological Museum
Kannauj was a major imperial capital from the time of Emperor Harshavardhana in the 7th century and later the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Palas and Rashtrakutas who contested for control of the city in the Tripartite Struggle. Excavations in and around Kannauj have yielded remains from Mauryan, Shunga, Kushana, Gupta and medieval periods. The museum, established by the Directorate of Archaeology, Uttar Pradesh, preserves and displays these excavated antiquities to document the continuous urban history of Kannauj.
Culture & Context
The museum showcases the artistic and cultural heritage of Kannauj, known historically as a centre of art, literature and perfume making. Its sculptures and terracottas reflect Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions that flourished in the region, providing insight into iconography, craftsmanship and daily life of ancient Kannauj.