Indian War Memorial Museum — Attraction in Delhi

Indian War Memorial Museum, Red Fort (New Delhi)

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. Naubat Kahana 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 army 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 the arms and ammunition used during the First World War.

The last two galleries show the impact of European industrialization 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 track, model of Baghdad Arab port and Basra dockyard exhibited in the museum attract the attention of the visitors. Another attraction of the gallery is the complete dress of Maharaja Jodhpur. His Highness Pratap Singh including kurta (long shirt), belt, trouser, turban with zari work, shoes and inscribed sword...

The earliest known references to armies in India are millennia ago in the Vedas and the epics Ramayana and Mahabaratha. From the ancient period to the 19th century, a succession of powerful dynasties and empires came to be and some were challenged by lesser Indian rulers who also struggled for land and power through warring. The British colonised India during the 19th century.

The predecessors to the contemporary Army of India were many: the sepoy regiments, native cavalry, irregular horse and Indian sapper and miner companies raised by the three British presidencies. The Army of India was raised under the British Raj in the 19th century by taking the erstwhile presidency armies, merging them, and bringing them under the Crown. The British Indian Army fought in both World Wars.

The armed forces succeeded the military of British India following India's independence in 1947. After World War II, many of the wartime troops were discharged and units disbanded. The reduced armed forces were partitioned between India and Pakistan. The Indian armed forces fought in all three wars against Pakistan and a war with the People's Republic of China. India also fought in the Kargil Warwith Pakistan in 1999, the highest altitudemountain warfare in history. The Indian Armed Forces have participated in severalUnited Nations peacekeeping operations and are presently the second largest contributor of troops to the...

The Indian War Memorial at the Red Fort in Delhi is a poignant tribute to the courage and sacrifices of Indian soldiers. It features exhibits from key events such as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, and the contribution of Indian soldiers in World War I. These displays provide a comprehensive look into India’s military history and the resilience of its people. The memorial’s dignified architecture, combined with its informative and well-curated exhibits, creates an atmosphere of reflection and pride. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of the significant events that shaped India’s fight for freedom and the pivotal role of its soldiers in global conflicts. The memorial serves as a powerful reminder of India’s legacy of bravery and commitment to justice. A visit here is not just educational but also deeply moving, making it an essential experience for those interested in Indian history...