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Bhubaneswar: Ivory is beautiful. Carved and polished by craftsmen in incredible shapes, this hard yet highly workable material fills visitors to all the great museums of the world with curiosity and wonder. Odisha State Museum also has its own share of ivory craft to display and since December 2017 the museum boasts a dedicated Ivory Gallery.
Inaugurated on 200th anniversary celebrations of the Paika Rebellion in Odisha, the Ivory Gallery aims to attract more visitors and make them familiar with this wonderful natural material. Historically, prior to the advent of plastics, ivory had many ornamental and practical uses, and it was the pride of Maharajas in Odisha. In fact, Maharajas were known as Gajapati primarily owing to the large number of tuskers they owned.
The Ivory Gallery in the state museum has some uniquely collections that have caught the imagination of visitors. Orissa POST interacted with the Odisha State Museum superintendent Jayanti Rath and some visitors to know more about the alluring attraction of the Ivory Gallery.
Jayanti Rath (Superintendent, Odisha State Museum): Ivory has always been a very sought after product. One will be amazed to know that once numerous types of Joutuka Pedi (bridal box) were made of Ivory and gifted to the bride by her parents. Since ivory has always been a very expensive item, those products usually belonged to the royal families of Odisha. Odisha State Museum is fortunate to display some astonishing items like Ram Lila and Krishna Lila depicted on ivory, which originally belonged to the King of Jaypore, in the gallery.
Abhipsa Samataray (Visitor from Koraput): I always wanted to see genuine ivory and I am spell-bound to witness its finest display at the Odisha State Museum. Until now I have only seen their pictures in my school text books, but today my dream has come true. I have travelled all the way from Koraput with my family to visit the museum primarily to see the ivory display here.
Bikas Priyadarshi (Visitor from Berhampur): Visiting this museum entering a wonderland where the Ivory Gallery is a top attraction. I have heard so much about it, but did not have the chance to visit museum till today. Today I am here with my family and I am delighted to witness such wonderful collection.
Divya Bharati Bag (Visitor from Khurda): Being a student, I rarely find time for outings. Now, having got admission to BJB College, I requested my parents for a museum visit and they agreed. The guard informed us that there is this new Ivory Gallery and I am here. The display is simply stunning. I am amazed to learn that right from Daspala to Nayagarh all the kings made significant contributions to ivory art.
Ghasiram Praskar (Visitor from Raygada): My family members and I are all awestruck after witnessing the display at the Ivory Gallery. The Sarswati idol made from ivory is simply breathtaking and I can’t take my eyes off it. Wish we could be rich enough to possess such amazing stuff.