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Banjara Virasat Nagara Museum Opens in Washim, Celebrating Nomadic Heritage in Vidarbha

Banjara Virasat Nagara Museum Opens in Washim, Celebrating Nomadic Heritage in Vidarbha
Banjara Virasat Nagara Museum Opens in Washim, Celebrating Nomadic Heritage in Vidarbha

The town of Pohradevi in Vidarbha's Washim district has become home to a new cultural landmark dedicated to the Banjara community.


The Banjara Virasat ‘Nagara’ Museum, inaugurated on 5 October 2024, brings attention to the history, artistry, and traditions of a historically nomadic group now settled across various parts of India.


Located at Manora Road in Pohradevi and built over several years, the museum serves both as a cultural centre and a tourism initiative in Vidarbha.



A Museum Built Around Tradition and Identity


The Banjara Virasat ‘Nagara’ was developed under a project led by Maharashtra’s Guardian Minister Sanjay Rathod.


The museum’s foundation stone was laid in 2018 to preserve Banjara heritage and encourage visitors to explore Vidarbha’s lesser-known cultural spaces.

The four-storey structure was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a ceremony that was also attended by the Governor and Chief Minister of Maharashtra, along with other political leaders. Some publications have described the museum as five storeys, though official sources confirm four.



The building contains 13 galleries that trace the origins, evolution, and cultural expressions of the Banjara community. These galleries house items such as portraits of community leaders, traditional attire, jewellery, tools, and artefacts associated with their historical lifestyle.


The galleries also highlight the community’s contributions in areas such as textile design, traditional music, and craftsmanship. Several exhibits feature embroidery and beadwork that are acknowledged by UNESCO for their cultural value.

A prominent architectural element of the museum is the 150-feet Sevadhwaj, a monumental flagpole topped with an equestrian statue of Sant Sevalal Maharaj. Sevalal Maharaj is a spiritual figure revered by the Banjara community.


His connection to the region is further emphasised by the museum’s proximity to his tomb in Pohradevi. Alongside it stands the shrine of Ramraobapu Maharaj, another important religious site for the community.


Prime Minister Modi visited both memorials during the inauguration and also offered floral tributes at the Jagdamba Temple located nearby.


A Cultural and Technological Experience


The museum combines historical preservation with interactive visitor experiences. In addition to the physical displays, the facility offers virtual reality-based interactions that allow users to explore various aspects of Banjara traditions.


These experiences include immersive recreations of their festivals, daily routines, traditional trade routes, and crafts.

Visitors can also explore themes like rangoli art, tattooing, and painting practices that reflect the community’s roots in mobility and local artistic expression.


The daily light and music laser show held at 7 p.m. beneath the Sevadhwaj adds a dynamic layer to the museum experience. These shows attract visitors during evening hours, blending visual storytelling with musical presentations.


This combination of physical exhibits and multimedia tools aims to appeal to a diverse group of visitors, including school groups, researchers, and tourists.


The musical history of the Banjara community is also featured prominently. Instruments like the Nangara drum are on display, and dance traditions are presented through visual exhibits and recorded performances.



These displays provide insight into how music and performance remain central to Banjara identity even as their communities have transitioned from nomadic to settled lives.


Historically, the Banjara community has its origins in Rajasthan. The name “Banjara” is derived from the words “Vanaj” (trade) and “Jara” (travel), indicating their role in transporting goods across inland trade routes in India.

Over time, they settled in several Indian states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Despite this transition, the community has maintained many of its cultural practices, and the museum serves as a detailed representation of this continuity.


The choice of Pohradevi as the museum’s location is significant. Known as the “Kashi of the Banjara Community,” the town has long been a pilgrimage site due to the presence of Sant Sevalal Maharaj’s tomb and associated temples. This adds a spiritual layer to the cultural experience of the museum, enabling visitors to explore both the material history and the religious dimensions of Banjara life.


The museum’s setting in Vidarbha positions it within a broader regional initiative to highlight underrepresented communities and cultural spaces. As part of this effort, the museum has been equipped with modern amenities that aim to balance historical authenticity with contemporary modes of engagement.



Tourism, Preservation, and Access

Tourism, Preservation, and Access to the Banjara Museum in Washim
Tourism, Preservation, and Access to the Banjara Museum in Washim

The establishment of the Banjara Virasat ‘Nagara’ Museum has brought renewed attention to the Washim district as a potential destination for cultural tourism. Its design caters to a wide range of audiences, providing educational value alongside spiritual exploration.


By concentrating efforts on one community’s historical development, the museum contributes to a more inclusive cultural narrative for the region.

Visitors to the museum can view the galleries, attend the evening laser show, and visit nearby spiritual sites, making for a well-rounded experience. The location's religious significance, combined with the museum's content and technological features, positions it as a multipurpose site.


These aspects make the museum a useful resource not only for cultural engagement but also for educational institutions and heritage researchers.


The project also highlights an important development in Vidarbha’s tourism infrastructure, which has often been secondary to more prominent destinations in Maharashtra.


By focusing on community-specific initiatives such as this, local authorities aim to enhance the visibility of Vidarbha’s history and attract more consistent footfall to its towns and villages.


The Banjara Virasat ‘Nagara’ Museum in Pohradevi is now a central point for those seeking to engage with the Banjara community’s historical and cultural journey.


From its 13 galleries and large-scale exhibits to its immersive VR tools and spiritual setting, the museum presents a complete and structured view of a community that has long been part of India’s social fabric.


Situated in Vidarbha and equipped with features for both casual visitors and academic audiences, it marks a notable addition to Maharashtra’s growing network of cultural institutions.


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