Tribal Cultural Museum

The Tribal Cultural Museum is the best introduction to the indigenous communities who have always defined Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The Warli, Kokna, and Koli tribes make up a large portion of the territory's population, and this museum documents their way of life through life-size dioramas, hand-carved wooden masks, hunting tools, fishing equipment, traditional ornaments, and Warli paintings.

The displays are not sophisticated by international standards, but they are honest and specific. The hunting tools section is particularly interesting, showing the range of techniques used in forests that are now increasingly enclosed by industry. The Warli painting exhibits give context to the art you will see on sale throughout the town.

The museum is free to enter and is located near the Tourist Information Centre in the heart of Silvassa. Allow about an hour. It is closed on Mondays.

things to do museum
A story
The Warli painting tradition is one of India's oldest surviving folk arts, dating back at least 2,500 years. Warli paintings use white pigment on earthy backgrounds and depict daily life — harvests, weddings, hunting scenes — through geometric figures. The tribal communities of Dadra and Nagar Haveli kept the tradition alive through centuries of Portuguese rule, and it experienced a national revival after 1954 when the territory became part of India.