Indian War Memorial Museum at Red Fort is all set to be shifted to more spacious building within the historic Red Fort. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to change the location of museum to accommodate more visitors since it is the must-watch spot in Delhi for all international and domestic tourists.
“The museum is currently housed in Naubat Khana which is very congested. Under comprehensive conservation management plan, we have decided to shift it to B-2 colonial building, which is ready to house the museum,” an ASI official said.
The B-2 building was built by the British Army as a residential building. The is fit to be reused. Naubat Khana will be later used to exhibit other collection or will be used as an office.
The official added that the ASI has speeded up the conservation of the colonial building as large number of visitors are expected during the Commonwealth Games 2010.
This museum was set up as a tribute to the soldiers who had participated in the World War in India or abroad on behalf of the British Army. Naubat Khana or Naqqar Khana (musical house) of the Red Fort was chosen to accommodate the museum in its first and second floors. The museum is approachable from the north and south of the building facing east.
The introductory gallery comprises diorama showing the battle of Panipat with the armies of Babur and Ibrahim Lodi standing opposite each other. The other displayed objects are arrows, swords, khukris, revolvers, machine guns, shells etc. Variety of daggers with ivory and inscribed hilt, chest armour, small weapons like gupti, battle axes are also exhibited in the gallery. Helmets, armours, different types of swords, daggers etc. are displayed in Gallery No 2 and 3. Bomb fuses, shells, models of pistols, bullets, gun powder flasks on display gives vivid picture of arms and ammunition used during the World War I.
The last two galleries show the impact of European industrialisation over the weapons and communication since radars, telephone, telegraph, signal lamps, guns with periscope, trench periscope etc. were introduced during the war. Various types of badges, ribbons, uniform of Turkish and New Zealand Army officers, and flags are also put on display. Model of Army transport cart and railway goods trackexhibited in the museum attract the attention of the visitors.