Wakankar Foundation
Wakankar Sangrahalay
Wakankar Sangrahalay is a private museum preserving remarkable collections of Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar, renowned archaeologist and discoverer of the Bhimbetka rock shelters. The museum showcases artefacts ranging from the 2nd Century BC to modern times, reflecting India's vast archaeological and cultural heritage.
Many of his major collections are preserved in the Vikram Keerti Mandir Museum of Vikram University, Ujjain — his alma mater.
0
Ancient Antiquities
Sculptures, terracotta, metal objects from 2nd Century BC to 18th Century AD.
0
Rare Historical Objects
Fossils, ostrich egg, manuscripts, tribal ornaments & scientific artefacts.
0
Ancient Coins
From Kshatrap, Satavahana, Gupta to Mughal & foreign dynasties.
0
Paintings & Sketches
Rock shelter sketches, Wakankar’s works and artistic collections.
100+
Inscriptions
Copies of ancient stone inscriptions preserved for epigraphic study and research.
Antiquities Collection
The museum houses a rare collection of ancient antiquities discovered during archaeological explorations and excavations conducted by Dr. V. S. Wakankar.
These include sculptures, pottery fragments, terracotta artefacts and metal objects representing the artistic and cultural traditions of medieval India.
Several moulds and copies of ancient inscriptions are also preserved for research and educational purposes.
The collection also includes rare and scientifically significant objects such as dinosaur fossil remains, human skeletal remains from Bhimbetka, ostrich eggs, microlith tools and early human artefacts, making it valuable for both historical and scientific research.
Collections & Galleries
Wakankar Sangrahalay preserves a diverse range of archaeological, scientific and cultural materials reflecting the life’s work of Dr. V. S. Wakankar and his contributions to Indian heritage.
Archaeological & Scientific Collections
The museum houses ancient bones, skulls, fossils, ostrich eggs and human remains from Bhimbetka. It also preserves excavation records from Dangwada and Kayatha along with epigraphic material, inscription moulds and scientific documentation.
Numismatic Collection
A vast collection of over 5000 ancient coins representing dynasties such as Kshatrap, Satavahana, Gupta, Naga, Chola along with Islamic rulers like Mohammad Tughlaq and foreign coins, spanning from 2nd Century BC to modern periods.
Paintings & Visual Archives
The museum preserves more than 5000 paintings and sketches including rock shelter reproductions, original works by Dr. V. S. Wakankar and contributions from other artists.
Museum Galleries
The galleries highlight Wakankar’s contributions including Bhimbetka discovery, Saraswati Shodh Abhiyan, Dongla astronomical studies and excavations at Dangwada and Kayatha.
Legacy Gallery
Dedicated to Dr. V. S. Wakankar and his family, preserving their contributions to Indian archaeology, art and cultural research.
Archival Photographs
Scroll horizontally to explore the full archival collection →
Pottery during Kaytha Excavation
Vishnu S. Wakankar While Studying
Vishnu S. Wakankar with Dr Rajendra Prasad
Texas team working on human fossils
Vishnu S Wakankar worked as honorary guide to the Chambal Valley
Bhimbetka-excavation-documentations by Vishnu S. Wakankar
Ostrich Egg
Antiquities 3
Uttar pura pashan kal
Padmashri Award to Vishnu S. Wakankar
Vishnu S. Wakankar with Morarji
Vishnu S. Wakankar post Padmashri dinner with Indira Gandhi
Texas team working at WSS
Sutra Samhita
Stone Collections
Vishnu S. Wakankar Documentation work
Ancient Coin
Antiquities 1
Antiquities 2
Honor Summus Award to Vishnu S. Wakankar
Shiv Parvati Statue
Antiquities Statue
Vishnu S. Wakankar's last sketch
Vishnu S. Wakankar painting in collection of Shrikrishna Guruji
Antiquities Statue
Library & Auditorium
Wakankar Nyas also maintains a medium sized auditorium used for lectures, seminars and cultural programmes.
The museum library is a rich research archive containing 3,432 books, 4,900 journals, 707 manuscripts and over 4,000 photographic slides related to archaeology, ancient history and Indian culture.
The facility also includes an auditorium used for lectures, seminars and cultural programmes, making it an active centre for learning and research.
The museum is part of the Wakankar Shodh Sansthan, established at the former residence of the Wakankar family in Ujjain. The foundation was laid in 1988 and inaugurated in 1991. The multi-storey complex today houses the museum, Seeta Kala Deergha (Art Gallery), Bharati Kala Bhavan and the research library.
Preserving India's Cultural Heritage
Wakankar Sangrahalay continues to inspire researchers, students and visitors interested in India's rich archaeological and cultural legacy.