It began life as the library of an emperor-in-waiting 378 years ago and has since then served as a British residency, a government college, a municipal school, office of the state archaeology department and an archaeological museum. But long neglect and the reduced standing of Dara Shikoh's library near Kashmere Gate now show clearly in its building while plans to covert it into Delhi's first city museum remain on paper.
Experts say this building on the campus of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University is unique for its layers of Mughal and colonial architecture. On the northern side, cusped arches and columns some of them absorbed by walls added later give it a clear Mughal identity. But alterations and additions made by the British impart an equally strong colonial character.
Amid the whitewashed walls, cracked and dusty display cases house a selection of archaeological artifacts for visitors, although it's not a very welcoming place. TOI found it locked up from inside by the guard who doubles as a caretaker.
In 2011, the Sheila Dikshit government decided to convert the library into Delhi's first city museum within a year in collaboration with conservation body Intach's Delhi chapter. Four years later, Delhi tourism minister Kapil Mishra says the conversion will be done on priority. "We have had discussions about the Dara Shikoh building and want the archaeology department to bring out all its collection of artifacts from storage and display it for visitors," he said, adding, another Delhi museum will be set up at Town Hall.
The Delhi archaeology department has about 2,200 artifacts and most of these will be displayed in the proposed city museum after proper documentation. Besides displaying the excavated coins, stones and other antiquities from ancient and medieval times, the museum will also familiarize visitors with the history of the seven cities of Delhi. There will be a section on the city's natural history. Another will show historical maps and plans of villages along with data to explain spatial distribution and issues like migration, changing social structure, land use and economic activity.
Women who have played a prominent role in Delhi's history, from Razia Sultan down to Matia Begum, Kamala Nehru and Aruna Asaf Ali will also find space here. Paintings, vintage photographs, models and simulated sounds will transport the visitors to a different era and could make the museum a major attraction for children.
Experts say this building on the campus of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University is unique for its layers of Mughal and colonial architecture. On the northern side, cusped arches and columns some of them absorbed by walls added later give it a clear Mughal identity. But alterations and additions made by the British impart an equally strong colonial character.
Amid the whitewashed walls, cracked and dusty display cases house a selection of archaeological artifacts for visitors, although it's not a very welcoming place. TOI found it locked up from inside by the guard who doubles as a caretaker.
In 2011, the Sheila Dikshit government decided to convert the library into Delhi's first city museum within a year in collaboration with conservation body Intach's Delhi chapter. Four years later, Delhi tourism minister Kapil Mishra says the conversion will be done on priority. "We have had discussions about the Dara Shikoh building and want the archaeology department to bring out all its collection of artifacts from storage and display it for visitors," he said, adding, another Delhi museum will be set up at Town Hall.
The Delhi archaeology department has about 2,200 artifacts and most of these will be displayed in the proposed city museum after proper documentation. Besides displaying the excavated coins, stones and other antiquities from ancient and medieval times, the museum will also familiarize visitors with the history of the seven cities of Delhi. There will be a section on the city's natural history. Another will show historical maps and plans of villages along with data to explain spatial distribution and issues like migration, changing social structure, land use and economic activity.
Women who have played a prominent role in Delhi's history, from Razia Sultan down to Matia Begum, Kamala Nehru and Aruna Asaf Ali will also find space here. Paintings, vintage photographs, models and simulated sounds will transport the visitors to a different era and could make the museum a major attraction for children.
