Regiment of Artillery Museum: Asia’s Biggest Artillery Centre

The Regiment of Artillery Museum, open to the public since 2005, comes under the Regiment of Artillery Association. I feel proud to say that it’s Asia’s biggest artillery museum. 

The Artillery Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about India’s military heritage. The exhibits in the museum are highly informative and engaging, both visually and textually. With artillery dating back to World War II (& even 400 BC), the museum offers a comprehensive guide to the history and development of artillery.

There are many highlights of the museum with the AOP aircraft and MIG-23UM being the most famous. There are two battle tanks in the lawn. One of these two tanks is a Pakistani tank, disabled and captured by the Indian army. 

In addition to showcasing the evolution of artillery, the museum features a display honouring our war heroes. There’s also a short movie about the Indo-Pak war, which is particularly engaging for younger audiences.

And you’d be surprised to know, the artillery in the museum was also used in the Sunny Deol’s movie ‘Border’.

There are a few points or tips you must remember before visiting the Artillery Centre Nashik:

1. If you are a civilian, you must enter through the Kargil or Vadner gate.
2. You must carry an ID to submit at the gate. Aadhar card or Pan card would do.
3. It’s prohibited to click pictures inside the museum. Photography is allowed only at the lawn, where the war machines are kept.
4. The museum is meticulously organised for visitors. Be sure to devote at least two hours to explore the museum.
5. On weekends, you can enjoy a light and sound show from 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM. Dedicate an hour extra on the weekend & enjoy this AV show.

Timings

The Artillery Centre Nashik comes under military supervision and is thus under a strict schedule. Always check for the timings for any updates before you visit.

• Open Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
• Closed on Thursdays
• Closed on public holidays

What to Expect in the Regiment of Artillery Museum

The Regiment of Artillery Museum has a lot to offer. It is in fact the biggest artillery museum of Asia. You can expect a wide range of coastal artillery equipment, radar systems, guns, howitzers & more.

Main Attraction of Artillery Museum:

• Various Maratha artillery.
• Tipu Sultan’s Rattanban. A gun known for its 102 barrels.
• A brass cannon used by the Mughal emperor Babur in the First Battle of Panipat.
• A wooden catapult about 2400 years old (400 BC). 
• The AOP aircraft and MIG-23UM.
• Krishna MK II Aircraft.
• T-59 Tank, which was used in the indo-pak war of 1971.

Famous Guns & Howitzers:

• Sexton: Self-propelled gun used in World War II.
• 4.5 QF Howitzer: Developed in the United Kingdom in 1905.
• 3.7″ Mountain Gun: In service from 1917 to 1960.
• 75/24 Mountain Gun: India’s first Indigenous artillery gun.
• 7.2″ Gun Howitzer MK-6: Served in World War II.

These are just the ones I could name & describe. There is a 75-MM Pack Howitzer, a 7.2″ Gun Howitzer MK-4, a 1944 Russian-origin 100 MM Gun, some equipment from the East India Company’s Artillery, Pot-de-fer artillery & more.

The Regiment of Artillery Museum, Nashik, is a national gem. I hope you have a fun &, more importantly, a patriotic time. Jai Hind!

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