ASI Museum , Aihole

            The 'Archeological survey of India' (ASI) is the most important organization dealing with archeological researches and responsible for protection of India's rich history and heritage. There are 41 ASI museums all over India. One of the museums is located inside the main enclosure of Aihole,  opposite to the famous Durga Temple. The museum houses many stone sculptures that were found in and around Aihole. The museum has an open air gallery exhibiting the various master pieces (mostly idols of various gods and goddesses and hero stones) of the Chalukyan era. The inside of the museum displays stone sculptures, artefacts and photographs of pre-historic findings and of the Chalukyan period giving information about the place of find and its approximate period.

Varuna (Rain God) on Makara (Crocodile)

Hero Stone

Hero Stone

Lajja Devi - Fertility Goddess (in the centre)

Intricately Carved Pillar

Beheaded Mohini

Lord Vishnu with his Consorts

 Pillar Base

Nataraja

Sapthamathrikas

Sapthamathrikas

Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha

Hero Stone

Hero Stone

Hero Stone

Ruins

Looks like ET

    Photography is limited to the open air gallery. The entrance fee to the museum  is as low as it can get with only Rs 2 per head. It proves a worthy place to get a quick insight into the history of Aihole and its significance during various periods including the pre historic period.

References:
1 ASI .