India’s vast historical and cultural landscape is a treasure trove of ancient monuments, heritage sites, and archaeological wonders. Yet, a significant number of its “site museums”—institutions designed to safeguard and display artifacts in sites are struggling. Built in haste, often at the wrong locations, with insufficient planning and engagement, these museums fail to attract footfall and are languishing in neglect.

In the late 1990s, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and state archaeological departments envisioned site museums as a way to showcase artifacts directly linked to the archaeological sites where they were discovered. The idea was to create educational spaces where visitors could not only view relics but also understand their historical context in close proximity to where they were found. These museums would also serve as tools for awareness, protection, and conservation of India’s rich cultural legacy.

However, what seemed like a noble initiative has become mired in issues of poor planning, budget constraints, and lack of foresight. As it stands, many of India’s site museums are underwhelming both in terms of infrastructure and visitation numbers. In some cases, they are barely functioning or exist only as empty spaces housing disorganized collections.

One of the most glaring issues with India’s site museums is their often misplaced locations. Many of these museums are situated far from tourist hubs or inconveniently placed at the archaeological sites themselves, which lack the infrastructure to support a steady influx of visitors. As a result, they become out of reach for both local and international tourists.

For example, the museum at the ancient city of Lothal, located in Gujarat, is one such site museum that has failed to generate footfall. Lothal is one of the most important cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, yet it struggles to attract visitors due to its isolated location and the lack of adequate tourist infrastructure.

In many cases, the museums are not built in a way that highlights the history or importance of the site itself. The exhibits are often not properly contextualized, and the displays fail to create an immersive experience that could engage visitors. Rather than becoming an educational and tourist magnet, the museums end up as afterthoughts, with little interaction between the artifact, the site, and the visitor.

A major criticism of many site museums in India is their subpar infrastructure. The buildings housing these collections are often designed without sufficient consideration for the climate, accessibility, or functionality of the spaces. Poor ventilation, inadequate lighting, and lack of modern security systems compromise the preservation of the artifacts. Many of these museums are also unable to provide basic facilities like restrooms or cafes, discouraging visitors from staying longer.

Several site museums lack proper staffing. Trained curators, exhibition designers, and conservation experts are often absent, leaving a void in the curatorial and maintenance processes. A lack of funding further exacerbates the problem. Many museums depend on limited government budgets that often fail to meet the demands for restoration or modern facilities.

A glaring example is the museum at the archaeological site of Nalanda in Bihar, once an ancient center of learning. The site’s museum, built to house findings from this ancient university, is marred by a lack of sufficient resources, making it difficult for the site to live up to its potential as a major educational and cultural attraction.

Many of these museums do not attempt to engage with local communities or involve them in the museum’s operations, which could have helped foster a sense of ownership and pride in these spaces.

Furthermore, a lack of integration with educational programs and outreach initiatives means that these museums fail to serve as learning hubs for younger visitors. As educational spaces, these museums should inspire curiosity, spark debates, and encourage a deeper connection to the country’s rich and varied history. Instead, they often exist as sterile spaces with little context, direction, or engagement.

Need of the hour

The failure of site museums in India to live up to their potential highlights the need for a major overhaul in the approach to heritage tourism. Simply building more museums in remote areas is not enough. A multi-pronged approach is required that involves proper planning, community engagement, a focus on education, and sustainable tourism practices.

The location of future site museums must be carefully considered. They should be located in areas with good transportation links, near popular tourist circuits, and designed with the local infrastructure. Building partnerships with state tourism departments and local communities could also ensure that these museums attract visitors and remain relevant.

The design and management of these museums must be reconsidered. The focus should shift to creating engaging, interactive spaces that go beyond static displays. This includes incorporating technology, audio-visuals, and virtual reality experiences. Exhibits should be contextualized with well-researched interpretative materials, and there should be a focus on storytelling that resonates with the modern audience.

There is an urgent need for increased funding. The central and state governments need to allocate more funds to the upkeep and regular running of these museums. Additionally, there needs to be a concerted effort to train local staff in curation, conservation, and museum management.