Question

The Indian Museum in ___________is the oldest museum in south-east Asia and the largest in the country.
A. New Delhi
B. Kolkata
C. Mumbai
D. Chennai

Answer 1

Hint: The Indian Museum is also referred to as the imperial museum in colonial-era texts. It is the ninth oldest museum in the world and the oldest and largest in India.

Complete answer: The Indian Museum founded in Kolkata, West Bengal by the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1814. There are six sections in which thirty-five galleries of cultural and scientific artefacts are found. Four galleries are dedicated to natural history. These are botanical, insect, mammal and bird galleries.
The ancient and medieval Indian artefacts are preserved here. Some of them are Buddhist stupa from Bharhut, the lion capital of Ashoka from Ashokan pillar, fossils skeletons of prehistoric animals and rare antiques.
Looking at the options given:
Option A. The National Museum is one of the largest museums established in 1949 in New Delhi. It is an incorrect option.
Option B. The Indian Museum in Kolkata is the oldest museum in India. This is the correct answer.
Option C. In Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is the main museum which was founded by prominent citizens of Mumbai. It is an incorrect option.
Option D. In Chennai, The Government Museum is also known as Madras Museum is the second oldest museum in India after the Indian Museum in Kolkata. It is an incorrect option.
Therefore, the right answer is option B.

Note: In Indian museum, the museum directorate has three main cultural sections namely, Art, Archaeology and Anthropology together with eight coordinating service units such as preservation, Publication, presentation, modelling, education, library and security.