Watson Museum

Watson Museum is a historic museum located inside Jubilee Garden in Rajkot, Gujarat. Established in 1888 and named after Colonel John Watson, former Political Agent of Kathiawar, it is among the oldest and largest museums in Gujarat. The museum houses collections spanning archaeology, natural history and colonial-era artifacts, including Indus Valley Civilization finds, 13th-century carvings, textiles, coins, and princely state memorabilia reflecting the heritage of Saurashtra and Rajkot.

Visitors can expect a colonial-era museum building set within the landscaped Jubilee Garden. Inside, galleries display archaeological artifacts, sculptures, coins, textiles, handicrafts, natural history specimens, and photographs and portraits related to Rajkot and Saurashtra's princely history. Exhibits are arranged in halls with display cases and information panels. The visit is primarily indoor sightseeing and educational exploration, with a garden area outside for leisure.

Founded in 1888 in memory of Colonel John Watson, British Political Agent of Kathiawar (1878-1884), and inaugurated by Governor Lord Reay of Bombay. It was established to preserve artifacts and history of Kathiawar and Rajkot princely state. The museum's collections include Indus Valley Civilization objects from Mohenjo-daro, 13th-century carvings, and artifacts documenting colonial administration and princely heritage of Saurashtra.

Represents the cultural heritage of Saurashtra and Rajkot, showcasing traditional textiles, handicrafts, coins, sculptures and folk arts of Gujarat. It serves as an important educational and cultural institution preserving the region's archaeological and ethnographic legacy and colonial-era history.