Odisha State Maritime Museum

The’ Odisha State Maritime Museum’, is a repurposed colonial structure. During British rule, the museum acted as a ‘maritime workshop’ with the purpose of inland water communication of the ‘Bengal Presidency’ (which refers to the states of Bengal, Odisha and Bihar). Built in 1867, this establishment now houses, more than 10 galleries showcasing the rich maritime history (its ancillary components, as required in a modern museum) of this state. This location has the unique distinction of being the ‘only workshop’, which catered to the requirement of three provinces of ‘Bihar’, ‘Bengal’, and ‘Odisha’ under the Bengal Presidency of British India. It was set up by the then ‘PWD department’ of British administration through the efforts of one Scottish Engineer named Mr. G. H. Faulkner. It was established immediately after the great famine of 1866 in Odisha, known as “Naa Anka Durviksha”.
The British administration started excavating the ‘Coast Canal’, ‘Taladanda Canal’, and other irrigation projects to counter the effects of drought. This workshop caters to the need for canals, anicuts, dams, and most importantly inland water transport system. At that time, the access to Calcutta from Cuttack was only through a river ‘Mahanadi’ to the False Point near ‘Paradeep’ and on sea up to Calcutta or from ‘ChandaBali’ to Calcutta.

Attraction

The state museum is by far the Millennium City Cuttack’s best tourist attraction. The museum came up in the old dilapidated complex of ‘River Boat Construction and Repair Workshop’. Constructed during the British era, the museum carries a historical legacy.
The exhibit of the museum simply gives an insight into the ancient Odisha’s famed maritime industry. Here, on display are the tools used by the Sadhabas or seafarers which is an age-old navigation system as well as its evolution.
The chief attractions of this museum are the wooden boat replicas. The huge boat shed and the lathe which was the largest in Asia during its time will certainly grab your attraction. The addition of the ‘3D shows’ along with the aquarium section to the museum is a huge draw for the kids as well as adults.
The museum is located on the banks of River Mahanadi (near Jobra) along with its finely manicured and maintained lawns. It is a pleasant outing with family. The museum conducts painting competitions for children regularly which ends up attracting a lot of participants. The interactive initiatives add to the feel-good factor about this place. It also has an open-air auditorium along with a sitting capacity of 250 people.

History

The workshop was constructed as a pre-emptive measure. It was constructed by the British Administration to prevent a large-scale disaster akin to the terrible famine of 1866 in Odisha. It took the lives of scores of people. The workshop was not restricted to manufacturing boats only, rather it also looked after the inland waterways, irrigation projects, and distribution of water.
Constructed by Mr. G.H. Faulkner then an Engineer with the British PWD Department, it was the only workshop of its kind under the ‘Bengal Presidency of British India’. Hence, it was a remarkable landmark. However, the workshop was renovated and converted into the present-day ‘Odisha State Maritime Museum’ in 2013.

Inside/Outside Views

The maritime museum simply offers a splendid look at the ancient sea voyages from the coast of Odisha to Java, Bali, Sumatra, etc. It also has a very small aquarium and a great ‘4D theatre’. Overall, it is worth the money and a couple of hours you spend on it. You can also have a walk along the banks of river Mahanadi which is just across the street.

If you make your way towards a huge entry gate of the museum. Once inside you will be welcomed by a white pathway that has ‘small windows carved’ into its sides. A wooden-colored circular frame surrounding these windows is clearly an inspiration from the windows of the giant ships of the ‘Victorian era’. These windows were now adorned with small sculptures that stood behind the glass wall. Among those beautiful sculptures lies 1 small piece of stone, which probably is the most precious artifact in that whole pathway. The replica of the original ‘foundation stone’ of the workshop, which stood on the wall with authority, just as ‘the original’ did centuries ago.
Once out of the white pathway, a green courtyard will greet you, where it starts the actual museum. On the right, there are all the galleries arranged in order, and on the left are the aquarium, food court, and auditorium.

How to Reach

By road: It is situated in Cuttack’s ‘Professors Colony ‘ area. From the busy area of Cuttack, Odisha Maritime Museum is only 3 km away. Cuttack is well connected with other major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, etc. of the country. From Cuttack City, you will get local transport to reach the site.

By air: The closest airport, ‘Biju Patnaik International Airport’ (which is an international one), is almost 35 kilometers away from this area which is in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. You can visit this place from outside of India. Apart from that, there are airports in Delhi or Lucknow with direct flights to Bhubaneswar. From the airport, you can easily get local transport to reach the site.

By train: The closest railway station from the Odisha Maritime Museum is 4 km away at the ‘Cuttack Junction’. This station is well connected with major areas of the country. From the station, you will get local transport so that you can reach the site.

Tips for Travellers

Please wear suitable and comfortable clothes according to both culture and seasons.

Don’t forget to follow the code of conduct.
If you are visiting Nainital for the first time, try to visit in a group for safety purposes.
Please stay away from total strangers.