Partition Museum & Dara Shukoh Library Cultural Hub, Old Delhi is a study library in Old Delhi, Central Delhi, Delhi. It is around 0.62 km from Chandni Chowk metro station.
Based on 235 reviews
Visited the Dara Shikoh Library & Museum of Partition in Delhi, and I highly recommend this place to anyone who appreciates history, heritage, and peaceful architecture. This beautiful site carries over 500 years of history and is deeply connected to Dara Shikoh, the Sufi-minded Mughal prince who could have become emperor but was tragically killed in the struggle for the throne. He was known for his love of art, literature, spirituality, and Sufi philosophy, making his legacy truly unique in Indian history. The place has been wonderfully restored thanks to the efforts of the Delhi Government, INTACH, and other institutions. Today it serves as: • A heritage library • A Museum of Partition • A Sindhi cultural center • A convocation/event space The atmosphere is calm, beautiful, and filled with historical charm. The architecture and surroundings make you feel connected to Delhi’s rich past. 📍 It is located near Kashmiri Gate / Old Delhi area—easily accessible by taking a short tuk-tuk ride or even walking from Kashmiri Gate metro. The surrounding area itself is full of heritage and old Delhi vibes. A hidden gem for anyone interested in history, culture, architecture, or photography. Definitely worth visiting at least once. Follow me @CycoSagar @Instagram for more .
This was an unexpected but amazing experience. The in depth information provided, the plethora of details such as photography, design elements & even real life examples was quite impressive to see. If you wanna spend a random day out seeing history or get in-depth experience of how the partition occurred through the lens of the people it impacted, they even have audio interviews of dozens of people. If you love learning or are a history nerd, definitely take the time out early morning/afternoon to ensure you can go through everything at your speed. Not to spoil anything but they live records playing, brick walls & wooden structure from our old times, a structure showing the lives of Sindhi people from then to now (my favourite) and even a train seat area replica. 10/10 - a Mumbai girl who went by chance 🎀
One of Delhi’s newest museums, the Partition Museum is housed in what used to be the library of the 17th century Mughal prince Dara Shukoh. After Dara’s death (at the hands of his brother Aurangzeb), the library went through turbulent times, eventually becoming, for some time, the home of the British Resident in Delhi. The form of the building as it now stands, with high ceilings, shuttered windows, tall columns along the façade, etc, dates back to its time as the Residency. Entry to the museum costs Rs 50 per adult Indian, and no photography is allowed inside the building. The museum is divided into two separate galleries: the Partition gallery, and the Sindh gallery. You’re advised to begin with the Sindh gallery (since the exit leads out into the garden from the Partition gallery). The Sindh gallery explains, through text, photographs, artefacts and more, the culture of the Sindhis, and how they were affected by the Partition, since Sindh, with fairly large numbers of both Hindus and Muslims, was handed over to Pakistan and not divided. The Partition gallery is larger than the Sindh gallery, and has similar text, photos, letters, audio and video recordings of people talking about the Partition, installation art commemorating the Partition, and much more. There are various objects that came through the Partition; there’s a replica of a train compartment with belongings strewn about that were actually carried by migrants; there’s also a screened-off section with a warning of graphic violence (I have to admit I didn’t go in here). Very interesting, informative, and poignant reminder of the Partition, especially of its impact on Delhi. The museum has a souvenir shop and a café etc are planned.
Partition Museum situated inside the Ambedkar University near ISBT Kashmiri Gate is only the second Museum dedicated to the Partition of India in 1947. The artifacts on display convey a deep and emotional message regarding the times of partition. Sacrifice, courage, valor and the lives lost could be felt while seeing the museum. The curated items are carefully collected from the families of those effected by the partition. Newspaper clips, videos and other artifacts can be viewed. It would take at least 2-3 hours to visit the museum. Wheelchair accessible entrance is available and washrooms are also wheelchair accessible. Tickets can be purchased in the venue.
The partition museum is relatively new and housed in the Data Shikoh library building in the ambedkar University campus. The museum is quite informative and gives a detailed look into the partition and the impact it left on India, especially north western India and Bengal and specifically Delhi. Photography isn't allowed beyond the foyer area. They also have a small souvenir shop. The staff are quite helpful and nice.
