Khiching Museum

Khiching Museum is an archaeological museum located at Khiching village in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. Situated adjacent to the Maa Kichakeswari Temple complex, it preserves stone sculptures and antiquities excavated from Khiching, the ancient capital of the Bhanja dynasty. The museum is notable for its collection of chlorite stone sculptures dating from the 7th to 15th century representing Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions.

Visitors can expect a small, well-maintained archaeological museum with three galleries displaying stone sculptures, architectural fragments, terracotta objects and excavated antiquities. Exhibits include images of deities, Buddhist and Jain figures, and decorative temple parts made of chlorite stone. The museum is located within the Khiching temple complex surroundings with a quiet rural setting, close to the Kichakeswari Temple and excavated temple ruins.

Khiching was the capital of the Bhanja dynasty from the 9th to 12th century and an important centre of art and architecture. Excavations have revealed remains of temples and sculptures dating from the 7th to 15th century. The museum, established by the Archaeological Survey of India and Odisha State Archaeology, houses antiquities recovered from the temple complex and surrounding sites, illustrating the region's historical importance.

The museum preserves the artistic heritage of Khiching, known for its Kichakeswari Temple dedicated to Goddess Kichakeswari, the tutelary deity of the Bhanja rulers. The collection reflects the coexistence of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions in the region and showcases the distinctive chlorite stone craftsmanship of ancient Odisha.